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NewsDay

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ZPC Kariba welcome Platinum to Nyamhunga

Sport
FC PLATINUM become the first Castle Lager Premiership football side to play an official league match at the new home of ZPC Kariba, Nyamhunga Stadium, when they make the cross-country trip to the resort town this afternoon in Match Day 11.

FC PLATINUM become the first Castle Lager Premiership football side to play an official league match at the new home of ZPC Kariba, Nyamhunga Stadium, when they make the cross-country trip to the resort town this afternoon in Match Day 11.

BY WELLINGTON TONI

ZPC Kariba came into the Premiership in 2014 and finished second on the standings, playing all the “home” games at Harare’s Gwanzura Stadium as they struggled to finish the stadium.

Progress was much faster this year and eventually the Zifa Grounds Committee, after making several trips there and ensuring that it met the minimum 5 000-seater capacity, the stadium was given the green light to finally stage Premiership matches.

As FC Platinum make the trip, things have changed at ZPC Kariba as there is a new man in charge Oliver Matava, who replaced Saul Chaminuka three weeks back and has managed four points from two matches.

Further, Matava expects a good homecoming, accompanied by three points this afternoon against a FC Platinum side that is still searching for consistency, especially away from home.

Missing from ZPC Kariba are Raphael Manuvire, who was in South Africa with the Warriors that were thrashed 4-1 by Namibia in the Cosafa Cup group stages on Thursday.

Dejected FC Platinum twins Kelvin and Elvis Moyo, and Thabani Kamusoko talk to team coach Norman Mapeza after their loss to Dynamos.
Dejected FC Platinum twins Kelvin and Elvis Moyo, and Thabani Kamusoko talk to team coach Norman Mapeza after their loss to Dynamos.

ZPC Kariba has three wins, five draws and two losses to sit on position six with 14 points while Platinum are a point behind, but in ninth spot with four wins, one draw and five losses.

FC Platinum are without Zambian international Aaron Katebe who is in South Africa for the Cosafa Cup where his country takes on Namibia in the quarter-finals tomorrow, but are still expected to be at full strength for this crucial tie.

In other matches, Buffaloes host Harare City this afternoon at Sakubva. City spent heavily on the market in the off-seat, but have largely been average.

At the Colliery, league leaders Chicken Inn face the hot coals of Hwange hoping to keep their place at the top of the standings, provided Triangle don’t make mince meat of How Mine at Gibbo tomorrow. Chicken Inn, driven by the exploits of newboy Edmore Chirambadare and the tactical shrewdness of veteran coach Joey Antipas, have been doing their business quietly picking up crucial points to stand three clear of Triangle.

Hwange, on the other hand, have won just once this season and drawn seven times, not a good return for Nation Dube’s men and they seriously need to start picking up points as a matter of urgency, especially at home.

Triangle are yet to lose or draw at home and with How Mine failing to find the winning formula despite a heavy off-season outlay on players-most of them out of their prime.

Ahead of the match, Luke Masomere, the self-proclaimed doctor of football, pulled one from his bag of classics claiming that “Triangle have not lost at home because they have not played How Mine”.

We can’t wait for tomorrow!

Troubled Caps United, still reeling from the sudden departure of Rodreck Mutuma and Stephen Makatuka must ensure they don’t become the first victims of Dongo Sawmill at Vengere Stadium tomorrow.

Dongo, on the verge of being sold, don’t know the feel of three points in the top flight after 10 matches.

With just three wins this season, Caps United have been hit by financial problems which landed the club in the High Court on Wednesday when two former board members asked for its liquidation.

Club president Twine Phiri has been on record saying he is ready to walk away, but knowing Zimbabweans, they don’t just give up!