Platinum hunt Mambas scalp

Morris Depot this afternoon.
Club secretary Philmon Muvengwa yesterday said Kugona Kunenge Kudada, who collected six points from the police side last season, will be hoping for a good start but refused to underrate their opponents.
Instead the Zvishavane side, who make another trip back to Harare following last week’s disappointment in the Champions League clash against El Merreikh at Rufaro, will be cautious against John Ncube’s side.
On paper FC Platinum appear favourites in this game as they have played more competitive games to date compared to their opponents, who were preparing quietly with low-key friendlies.
While Mambas lost some of their key players like Abbas Amidu, Atlast Musasa and Luckson Kaisa during the off-season break, FC Platinum were splashing money around beefing up their squad in preparation for the Champions League and for a new attempt on winning the title.
FC Platinum have so far made a decent showing after winning home and away against Green Mamba of Swaziland in the preliminary round of their maiden Champions League campaign and have dominated the domestic pre-season by winning the Bob’88 Super Cup, which featured last season’s top four teams.
However, Muvengwa believes every game should be treated differently and said FC Platinum need to be cautious.
The platinum miners, who lost the battle to Dynamos on the last day in 2011, are clearly among the favourites for the title.
Muvengwa said everything was pointing to an exciting season, especially when one looks at the preparations done by their major rivals Dynamos, CAPS United and Hwange.
“It looks like it’s going to be a very exciting season judging by the pre-season preparations.
“All the teams have been working hard but obviously surprise results should be expected along the way.
“We have also been preparing hard during the pre-season for the Champions League but when it comes to the league championship this is a very different game altogether.
“Teams like Black Mambas can ambush you on any given day and we have to be cautious,” said Muvengwa.
FC Platinum are coming from a 2-2 home draw with Sudan’s El Merreikh and they hope to turn the tables around in the domestic competitions.
Their chief striker Donald Ngoma is still out with injury and Rahman Gumbo still has options in the likes of Mitchell Katsvairo, Louis Matawu and Charles Sibanda.
The 2010 champions, Motor Action, will be hoping to put behind them a rough pre-season when they host newcomers Harare City at the Motor Action Sports Club this afternoon.
The Mighty Bulls coach Joey Antipas and his technical team face a tricky situation in the wake of reports of turmoil in their camp with players unhappy over their contracts.
They will be hoping to make up for the disappointment in the Confederation Cup tournament after bowing out in the preliminary round last month.
They have a strong side with the likes of Marlon Jani, John Bernard, Isaac Masame, Godfrey Moyo all vying for places.
Harare City are under the guidance of former Gunners and Circle United coach Bigboy Mawiwi.
Youthful Gunners will be on the road for a date against Chicken Inn at Luveve.
Gunners have roped in 10 new players from their juniors this season after losing the bulk of their team last season.
However, coach George Madira said they are looking forward to a good start after retaining some of his core players like Hardlife Zvirekwi, Leonard Fiyado, Cliff Sekete, goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba and defender Pardon Chinungwa.
“I think we have a very good blend of youth and experience. These youngsters have gained some confidence in the friendlies that we have played to date and they only have to believe in themselves,” said Madira.