FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza has declared war on their rivals, emphasising on the importance of collecting maximum points in all their remaining matches ahead of tomorrow’s tricky encounter against ZPC Kariba at Mandava Stadium.
BY TERRY MADYAUTA
Tomorrow presents another time for the platinum miners, who need maximum points in this ding-dong title race that could see them grab their first Premier Soccer League (PSL) crown if they win all their remaining games.
Having finished as bridesmaids twice since their maiden PSL season in 2011, the current campaign again thrusts Mapeza’s coaching pedigree under scrutiny if he can deliver the league title to the financially well-up Mandava side.
But tomorrow, ZPC Kariba stand in the way of FC Platinum’s quest to break the Harare-Bulawayo league title stranglehold.
Last year at Mandava, FC Platinum lost 2-1 to the same team courtesy of goals by Tawanda Nyamandwe and Never Tigere, but the power producers coach Sunday Chidzambwa will be the first to admit that things have not been the same since he announced that he would part ways with the Kariba-based side at the end of the season.
Pure Platinum desperately need to re-write history and capitalise on ZPC Kariba’s woes for them to keep pressure on Ngezi Platinum who lead the title race with a superior goal difference.
Mapeza’s charges have hit good strides crucially in this home stretch, winning two of their last three games over Highlanders and Shabanie Mine before drawing with Harare City in their last match.
- 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
“In our first match in Kariba, we drew and as a club, our objective is to ensure that we get maximum points,” Mapeza said while addressing a Press conference in Zvishavane yesterday.
“I don’t care how many goals we score, but I just want three points in every game that is left for us. Last season, there were three teams fighting for the title, along with Caps United and Highlanders. This year, it’s more intense, more like a four-horse race. It’s difficult and it’s important for us to concentrate on our game and not get worried about what is happening in other towns.
“We are tied with Ngezi, who have a superior goal difference, but the most important thing for us is to collect maximum points in all the remaining games and we are working hard for that.
“Ngezi will come here, but it’s a story for another day because we still have ZPC and Tsholotsho. So, like I said, the most important thing is to win this weekend and then we wait for Ngezi.
“As much as we need the goals to beef up the goal differences, we, as a club, are determined to get three points because that is the most important thing at this stage of the season.
“I am happy we got a point against Harare City, and we are building our confidence on that because every point is important for us rather than totally losing.
Chidzambwa will be looking forward to winning since his side has not recorded victory in seven matches, last grabbing maximum points on August 20 against Shabanie Mine.
Also giving Mapeza’s side hope this weekend is the fact that ZPC Kariba have been struggling this season in which they have also performed dismally in knockout competitions.
