TITLE-chasers, FC Platinum face a daunting task of realigning their title run, when they visit stubborn air force side, Chapungu for a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Ascot Stadium tomorrow.
BY MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE
The miners looked set for their first title this season, but a 2-1 defeat to Harare City and a 1-all stalemate against Ngezi Platinum in their last two league outings have compromised their chances.
The two results presented current log leaders, Caps United with a golden opportunity they will be unwilling to throw away, having assumed top spot and a two-point advantage over the miners.
Bulawayo giants, Highlanders are second on the log with a solitary point advantage over the Zvishavane-based side, who know they have it in their own hands to overtake Bosso, whom they clash with in the penultimate match of the season.
A section of the FC Platinum supporters were already calling for coach, Norman Mapeza to be fired, but he soon charmed them after presiding over a 3-0 win over Harare City in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals.
The air force side is, however, having none of FC Platinum’s title aspirations and also looking improve their stuttering campaign, as they target to climb up the ladder from their current 13th position.
Chapungu coach, John Nyikadzino acknowledged FC Platinum’s quality, but warned that they would not be an easy team to beat.
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“They (FC Platinum) are challenging for the title and they are desperate for maximum points. For us, we are also desperate for maximum points because we want to finish among the top-eight teams,” he said. “It is going to be a difficult game for us. FC Platinum are a good team, which has been doing very well this season.
“We have prepared for the encounter, we also have ambitions we wish to fulfil, so we will do our best to get a result and we will also be boosted by our home supporters.”
FC Platinum will be without Winston Mhango and Charles Sibanda, who are still recovering from the injuries they sustained after they were involved in a car accident last week.
The club’s media liaison officer, Chido Chizondo, said the two were out of this match, but would still have a part to play before the end of the campaign.
“They were discharged from hospital on Wednesday, the good thing is that they did not sustain any serious injuries. They will, however, not be available for selection this weekend, but we are positive they will be ready to play maybe next week,” she said.
