IT has been a long and rough road for Castle Lager Premier Soccer League giants FC Platinum in the last five weeks and two defeats, in particular against Hwange at home and Caps United last Sunday, could have been morale sapping for Tennant Chilumba’s men.
SPORTS EDITOR
And as they return to Mandava Stadium this afternoon for a date with second-placed Harare City, the Zvishavane team knows they cannot let a chance to start their revival after the “Ides of May” caught up with them, go.
From leading the standings at the start of last month to dropping to fourth with 21 points, Platinum have seen Highlanders open a five-point lead over them while Dynamos jumped into third with 22 points and City settled in second with 24 points.
Any loss of further points this afternoon and favourable results for Chicken Inn against Black Mambas, or Caps United against Monomotapa means Platinum will drop even further on the log standings.
How Mine, who travel to the new hard hat area called Maglas for a date with Shabanie Mine, are also in the equation as they have 20 points and a win will take them further up.
Gifted with some of the best talent in the land, Chilumba needs to tell his players they can do it.
Twins Kelvin and Elvis Moyo have been a revelation at the back despite their inexperience and it is thought the presence of Aaron Katebe should be able to steady that defence.
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Thabani Kamusoko, playing some of his best football this season, has been a shining beacon in midfield, but he does not have a man to pick up his loose balls to launch attacks.
This is where Chilumba can utilise Allen Gahadzikwa effectively or a two-pronged attack that involves Joel Ngodzo.
With Charles Sibanda and Ali Sadiki at the top of their game, the Achilles heel has been Nelson Maziwisa’s poor return in front of goal.
Is it time for Donald Ngoma to step up? Yes, it is. Mitchelle Katsvairo has not been give the chance to showcase his skills as Chilumba has opened for a rather predictable line-up that has the ineffective Winston Mhango and Ngodzo on the bench.
Now for Chilumba to gamble against championship chasing Harare City would be taking things too far. With seven goals in 12 matches, Osborne Mukuradare is on top of his game and with support from the speedy pair of Nathan Ziwini and Martin Vengesayi, Platinum could be in trouble.
Former Motor Action attacking midfielder James Jam is also another player to watch, but another eye should be kept on Platinum’s former player William Manondo.
Manondo will be desperate to show Platinum what they are missing as Tafadzwa Dube did last Sunday for Caps United.
At Maglas tomorrow, Shabanie Mine might be saying goodbye to coach Luke Masomere, who has been operating without a contract, as they take on How Mine. The coach has been linked with Chicken Inn and Triangle.
Defending champions Dynamos are at home to Black Rhinos at Rufaro while Monomotapa host Caps United at the same venue this afternoon.
