admin
Augustine Hwata Senior Sports Reporter
THE start of the summer season has brought about high temperatures around most parts of the country but in Zvishavane most of the heat wave and buzz has been created by the historic BancABC Sup8r Cup final set for Mandava this afternoon.It’s the first time since the tournament was unveiled in 2008 that the final has been staged at a venue outside the big two cities — Harare or Bulawayo.
Yesterday FC Platinum skipper Daniel Veremu was taking it easy as he anxiously waited for one of the defining moments in his career.
Veremu was the fall guy in 2011 when his own goal, late in the second half, gifted Dynamos with a priceless 1-0 win over FC Platinum in a league match and with the win, the Harare giants seized control of the race.
The gangly Veremu has since recovered from that and has remained the foundation upon which FC Platinum’s defence is built as they hope to deflate neighbours Shabanie Mine this afternoon.
For Veremu, winning the BancABC Sup8r Cup final today means something more than just getting the US$120 000 at stake and the gold medals.
“The heat is too much and tempretures have soared to around 38 degrees.
“We consume a lot of water to avoid dehydration but we have a job to do all the same,” said Veremu.
“We have to try our best to win this game, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to live in this town with all the bragging rights at our rivals.
“Shabanie Mine have more fans in terms of numbers who have been bragging that they will win this Cup.
“I think Shabanie are getting most of their confidence from the fact that they defeated us 1-0 in the league match.”
But a lot has changed since Farai Mususunye’s lone strike gave Shabanie Mine three points at Maglas during round six of the league.
Back then Luke Masomere was just getting a reprieve from his Asiagate ban while Tennant Chilumba was in charge of dressing room at FC Platinum.
“Shabanie Mine beat us 1-0 and they are still boasting about that. We have to make sure we stop them, otherwise we will be ridiculed,” said Veremu.
“We do not need anything much to motivate us to win this game. This is a derby and we have our pride at stake.
“Getting to play in the final is enough motivation and more so against Shabanie. So we do not want to lose again.”
The giant Veremu played in the BancABC Sup8r Cup final when he was at Shooting Stars while his current gaffer at FC Platinum, Lloyd Mutasa, was the coach at the Wild Boys.
“I do not think that I will be unlucky for the second time. I once played in this final and we lost to Lengthens but now we have prepared well.
“As I said, this game is a self motivating,” he said.
While the Chinda Boys got the edge over their town rivals in the league, Veremu believes the coming in of Mutasa has moulded their outfit into a more formidable unit with their passing game.
“We are getting used to the new coach and the new system of the play. I think this will help us a lot now,” said Veremu.
Veremu and Aaron Ketebe are expected to provide a cushion for goalkeeper Petros Mhari while Winston Mhango and Raphael Mudhubiwa could operate from the wingbacks.
Kugona Kunenge Kudada could also push Thabani Kamusoko and Elvis Moyo into midfield while Charles Sibanda can be deployed behind Donald Ngoma and Nelson Maziwisa.
Maziwisa spent the last season at Shabanie Mine and could be under the spotlight this afternoon while FC Platinum will try to shut out their on-loan player Norman Maroto.
Veremu said the BancABC Sup8r Cup final will be a good advertisement for their small but vibrant mining town.
“It’s very rare to have two teams from a town like Zvishavane meeting in a big Cup final. By any chance, the final could have been played in Harare or Bulawayo but it’s happening right here and it’s a cause for us to celebrate.
“I appeal to all the fans to behave well so that we get more opportunities from sponsors in future. Football should always the winner at the end of the day,” said Veremu.
Online Reporter