Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TELONE’S dream of sneaking into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League top four faces a real test when they cross to Zvishavane for a Midlands derby against former champions FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium tomorrow.
While much of the weekend buzz is around the leaders’ clash between Scottland and MWOS at Rufaro and the Highlanders-Dynamos showdown in Bulawayo, this fixture carries its own intrigue. The so-called low-key derby pits two sides desperate to finish the season on a high after fading from the title picture.
The “Wifi Boys” head into the match in slightly better shape. They’ve won four and lost four of their last eight games, while the miners have managed just one win over the same stretch, a run that’s left Norman Mapeza’s men struggling for rhythm.
TelOne sit fifth on the log with 49 points, three clear of FC Platinum, and only two behind fourth placed Ngezi Platinum Stars. A win tomorrow could keep their push for continental football alive.
Coach Hebert Maruwa, however, is refusing to read too much into his opponents’ dip in form.
“FC Platinum are a big side, we cannot underrate them. Of course they haven’t been doing well in the past, but we’re not focusing on that,” said Maruwa. “We’re expecting a tough match because we know the quality in their team. On top of that, this is a derby, and derbies are always tricky.
“As a team, we’ve already done better than last season in terms of points, and we’re pushing for a strong finish to make sure we end in the top four.”
Mathew Masinge