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Mapeza expects bruising contest

Sport
The three-time Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions are pitted against a side that has evolved well under the guidance of Rodwell Dhlakama.

BY TERRY MADYAUTA FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza is expecting a bruising contest against a “strong” Ngezi Platinum Stars side when the two meet in the Chibuku Super Cup final at Mandava Stadium on Sunday.

The three-time Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions are pitted against a side that has evolved well under the guidance of Rodwell Dhlakama.

The two platinum mining sides have been the best sides in the Chibuku Super Cup tournament and it came as no surprise that they claimed the final slots.

Ngezi Platinum Stars are looking to end FC Platinum’s dominance in the league and the Sunday match provides a stage for the Mhondoro-Ngezi-based side to fire warning shots.

Mapeza acknowledges that his side faces a tough assignment, but says they will not change their game plan.

“We are meeting a strong and physical team. I must admit that Ngezi have been doing very well of late,” he said.

“I think Dhlakama has done really well in terms of coming up with a competitive side, so it’s not going to be an easy take for us, but we will attack and hope for positive results.

“What matters is how we prepare for this match, mentally, physically and tactically, so we are expecting a tough match.”

Added Mapeza: “I hope we don’t record injuries while training, we have to be smart, as we prepare. All we need at this point is good health in our squad. The players have to take care of themselves, COVID-19 is still among us.”

The last meeting between the two sides saw FC Platinum emerge 2-1 winners in the group phase of the competition.

Ngezi had won the first leg on a similar scoreline, with Bruno Mtigo notching a brace for the Mhondoro-Ngezi club.

For the two sides, this is the ultimate battle for superiority.

This will be Mapeza’s third appearance in the Chibuku Super Cup as FC Platinum coach and he is confident of adding another medal to his cabinet.

With FC Platinum, he won the same cup in 2014.

“On my part, it’s a massive achievement and my wish is to go out there on Sunday and win the cup,” the Pure Platinum Play mentor said.

“Since 2014, this is my third appearance in the Chibuku Super Cup final as FC Platinum coach and I am more than happy. The same goes for the guys who were there in 2014.”

  • Follow Terry on Twitter @madyautatpm