Shabanie are our big brothers: FC Platinum

quarters of the Zvishavane residents will be wearing maroon and gold, backing the resurgent Shabanie, while the rest will be in the green-and-white outfits of FC Platinum.
FC Platinum have chosen to take a diplomatic approach ahead of the explosive tie, saying they have a lot of respect for their neighbours and they will always treat Shabanie as their big brothers.
That is in stark contrast to Shabanie team manager, Samson “Sam Dread” Gondwe, who stoked the flames when he labeled FC Platinum enemies of his club and promised 90 minutes of hell tomorrow.
Phil Muvengwa, the FC Platinum secretary, yesterday cooled down the tempo by saying they had a lot of respect for the Chinda Boys.
“We respect Shabanie a lot and they are our big brothers,” said Muvengwa.
“We are not looking at last season’s results because a lot of things have happened since we last played them although we managed to win both games.
“Shabanie Mine bought some players and we did the same. They are the PSL log leaders and when you playing log leaders you have to give them a lot of respect although we will not treat them with kid gloves.
“It is good that our players, who have crossed the floor, will have the opportunity to prove to us that they are good players. Derby matches are, however, difficult to play but in but at the end there has to be a winner.
“We have pegged the charges at US$3 for the rest of ground. As you know we have not played in Mandava (in the league) this season. It is going to be our first home match, which we can’t afford to lose, moreso before our home supporters, so we have to do well against all odds.”
Webster Chitono the Shabanie Mine chairman, challenged his team’s fans to come in their thousands.
“The game will be interesting and I am looking forward to it. I am urging our fans to come and invade Mandava Stadium. They must fill it up and I want them to be calm,” said Chitonho.
“It is a different ball game altogether and I want us to win because we are trailing.
Derby fever has already spilled into the night spots of Zvishavane town.