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Paul Mundandi Sports Correspondent
NEWLY appointed Shabanie Mine coach John Phiri has stoked flames ahead of an explosive CG Msipa Scholarship Fund semi-final match at Mandava Stadium tomorrow. “I am ready for the war against FC Platinum tomorrow and I see ourselves playing in the final because Mandava Stadium is our home ground. All the stadia in Zvishavane are our home grounds so tomorrow we will be playing at home,” boasted Phiri.
He was, however, quick to point out that if his team lose he was not going to lose hope as he will be assessing the strength of his team.
“If we lose we will have lost a battle and not the war because we are still going to fight in the league. I might not have prepared well but God is going to guide us.
“I have done well in even years winning a cup in 2004 with Zvishavane High School, gaining promotion to the PSL with Shabanie in 2010, guiding FC Platinum Under-19s to Division One and 2014 is not an exception as I see myself lifting something,” said Phiri who is also a former coach of FC Platinum.
Phiri said it was an opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their skills and at the same time prove that they are worth to be playing for Shabanie Mine and also to take advantage of the money at stake as Shabanie was struggling financially.
“I want fans to see that Shabanie still has a team. We are building a new team and I just urge them to be a little bit patient but the truth is we are going to deliver.
“I respect Mutasa (Lloyd) since our playing days and we are very good friends. We are going to be enemies for 90 minutes then after that we will share lighter moments,” said Phiri.
Shabanie Mine have lost virtually the services of their entire team with just four players namely goalkeeper Victor Twaliki, defenders William Ngonya, Smart Muchabaiwa and captain Rodney Mware remaining.
The asbestos miners have signed two goalkeepers, Freedom Magaba from Quelaton and London Zulu from ZPC Hwange.
They also managed to get the services of former Highlanders striker Patrick Mpofu (Town United), Xolani Ncube (Town United), Michael Mageja (Buffaloes), Marvellous Dikinya (New West City), midfielder Ryan Mabhena (New West City), Lloyd Ngara (How Mine), Nyasha Mpofu (How Mine), Simbarashe Domingo (Chegutu Pirates) and Edmore Tsoro who is on loan from FC Platinum.
Phiri has never lost a match to FC Platinum in his coaching career. In 2010 he beat the platinum miners 2-1 at Mandava with Merciful Ncube finding the target in a challenge match.
The following year both teams were playing in the Central Region Division One League with the asbestos miners winning 2-0 at Maglas before settling for a 1-1 draw at Mandava.
FC Platinum were then playing as Mimosa and were under the guidance of Jairos Tapera.
Tickets for tomorrow’s derby are going for $3 for rest of the ground with the VIP tribune set at $20.
The winner between Shabanie and FC Platinum will meet either Highlanders or Chapungu at Mandava on Sunday.
Highlanders and Chapungu will clash at Ascot Stadium, Gweru tomorrow.
The winners of the four-team challenge will walk away with a floating trophy and $6,000 with the runners-up getting $4,000.
The semi-finalists will pocket $2,000 each.
Online Reporter