Platinum vs diamonds in superiority clash

A POTENTIALLY exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) miners clash between FC Platinum and Manica Diamonds is billed for Zvishavane’s Mandava Stadium tomorrow.

The match will be part of the Week Two 2025 PSL fixtures menu.
The league started last weekend.

In their opening match of the season, FC Platinum played a nil all draw against defending champions Simba Bhora while Mutare-based Manica Diamonds edged Yadah Stars 1-0 at Sakubva Stadium.

Last season, under the tutelage of Jairos Tapera, the Gem Boys beat the platinum miners by identical 1-0 score lines home and away.

In the eight games that have been played between the two sides since 2019, Manica Diamonds won two, one home and one away.

Norman Mapeza’s men posted four wins over Tapera’s charges (two home and two away). Having played two draws, it means FC Platinum have managed to amass 14 points from their Saturday opponents who collected eight.

Manica Diamonds are set to field two ex-FC Platinum players, Lawrence Mhlanga and Rainsome Pavari, who parted ways with the Zvishavane team at the beginning of the year.

The players both featured in Manica Diamonds’ first match of the season against Yadah Stars.
Also in Manica Diamonds’ ranks is the trickery duo of Bret Amidu and Fortune Binzi.

“We will need to be at our very best. FC Platinum are always good and as such we cannot underestimate them. We will need to work hard for us to get a good result. In the past two seasons, we failed to win the first game of the season but this time around we have managed to win. This gives us hope to have a good season as we aim to be champions. We ended last season on number four and we want to improve from that position to finish on number one or two,” said Tapera.

FC Platinum have goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, Brian Banda, Jimmy Nguluvhe, Oscar Bhebhe, Thubelihle Jubani, Malawian trio of Nickson Nyasulu, Vincent Nyangulu and Precious Phiri among other players whom they can bank on.
FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo said their preparations for the tie have gone on well.

In other matches set for tomorrow, Ascot Stadium will be the venue for the game between TelOne and Triangle United.
Ngezi Platinum Stars will play against Greenfuel at Baobab Stadium.

Bikita Minerals will battle it out against MWOS at Sakubva Stadium, Herentals will play against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium while ZPC Kariba take on Simba Bhora at Nyamhunga Stadium.
— @FungaiMuderere