WARRIORS legend Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda has tipped Ngezi Platinum Stars to lift this year’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title, ahead of contenders FC Platinum and Dynamos.
BY FORTUNE MBELE
The former DeMbare midfielder does not think his club will be crowned champions this season.
Instead, he believes that the title is almost a straight fight between the two platinum miners – FC Platinum and Ngezi.
To him the match pitting the two sides is likely to determine the destiny of football’s top prize this year.
“Its advantage Ngezi, they play Bantu Rovers this weekend, who are already relegated and host Chicken Inn, who have been struggling travellers,” Gidiza said. “Their toughest game will be the away trip to Zvishavane, but if they win that one, they have taken the title. The FC Platinum game will definitely be the decider.”
The Tonderai Ndiraya-coached side made their intentions of winning their first league title clear when they brushed aside Dynamos 2-0 in a match marred by violence at Baobab Stadium on Saturday, to reclaim the top spot with 60 points after FC Platinum were frustrated by Harare City at Rufaro on Friday.
Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum is also on 60 points.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Sibanda said FC Platinum will find it hard, especially against relegation-threatened Tsholotsho and Chapungu.
“FC Platinum might have it easy against ZPC Kariba at home this weekend, but they have the big one against Ngezi and they have two tough matches against Tsholotsho and Chapungu, who are facing relegation and that will make it very difficult for them,” he said. Sibanda, who won the league title with AmaZulu in 2003 and is now a local match analyst, said his former club Dynamos should also not be brushed aside.
The Glamour Boys are two points behind the leading pair, after losing to Ngezi Platinum at Baobab on Saturday.
“Dynamos also have tough fixtures against sides that are facing relegation as they take on Chapungu this weekend and will play Bulawayo City, Bantu Rovers before their last assignment against bogey side Chicken Inn. But people should not rule out Dynamos as they may benefit from the result of the Ngezi/FC Platinum match.”
Dark horse Chicken Inn, who have 56 points after playing a draw away to ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga on Sunday, host Tsholotsho on Saturday before travelling to Baobab, where they face Ngezi, boasting of a proud home record where they remain unbeaten. Chicken Inn also have to play Chapungu before travelling to Harare, where they face Dynamos in the last game of the season.
PSL Fixtures
Friday: How Mine v Caps United (Luveve)
Saturday: Yadah v Bulawayo City (NSS), Chicken Inn v Tsholotsho (Luveve), FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba (Mandava), Black Rhinos v Shabanie Mine (Rufaro)
Sunday: Bantu Rovers v Ngezi Platinum (Luveve), Hwange v Highlanders (Colliery) Triangle United v Harare City (Gibbo) Dynamos v Chapungu (NSS)
