NGEZI Platinum Stars are hoping to close the gap between them and the leading pack when they take on Chegutu Pirates in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League derby at Baobab Stadium this afternoon.
The Takesure Chiragwi side are 10 points behind table toppers Manica Diamonds who have a tough assignment against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.
They have won two of their last seven matches having played four straight draws that saw them fall further behind the log leaders.
Ngezi Platinum Stars won their last match at home against TelOne and they are back at the same venue, although they are the away team.
Chiragwi said his side has dumped their normal style of play to play it ugly and collect points.
“There is a lot of motivation; we are playing here again in the next match which is an advantage,” the championship-winning coach said.
He appreciates that his side face a tough task against the well-supported Chegutu Pirates side.
“It is not going to be an easy game, it is a derby. It's not a walkover, they are a very good team and are picking points. We have watched them, they are a very good team.
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“We just need to be focused and hope for a good result so that we can cover the gap. We need the fighting spirit, If you cannot play the way you want, fighting spirit can win you games. Talent alone cannot win you games, sometimes you play badly and get a good result.”
Meanwhile, tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash between Highlanders and Manica Diamonds headlines the midweek fixtures.
Highlanders are hoping to bounce back to winning ways after failing to win in their last three matches. They drew against Arenel Movers, before losing to FC Platinum.
Last weekend, they were held to a 1-1 draw by ZPC Kariba, so this is one match they should make a statement against Manica Diamonds who are cruising away at 25 points after 12 games.
Highlanders have 20 points after the same number of games.
Today, four-time champions FC Platinum are set for a gruelling trip to the capital where they face Yadah FC. In the past the Miracle Boys have often caused problems to Norman Mapeza and his men. In their last seven meetings, FC Platinum won five.
Currently, Yadah FC rank 13th, while FC Platinum hold second position. Both teams were victors in their last meetings and FC Platinum will hope to keep their momentum among the leading teams.
In Chisumbanje, Green Fuel FC who recently appointed new coach Saul Chamimuka, host Bikita Minerals. The veteran gaffer comes eye-ball-to-eye-ball with his former bosses barely two weeks after crossing the floor to Green Fuel.
Strugglers Hwange are scheduled to host ZPC Kariba at the Colliery Stadium. Fresh from the Harare derby, Caps United are primed to take Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium.
Moreso, Simba Bhora are plotting a comeback after last weekend’s setback where they lost to Chicken Inn. They will host Herentals College FC at Wadzanai Stadium.
TelOne FC are also hoping to realign their campaign under new coach Herbert Maruwa. The WiFi Boys lost 2-0 to Ngezi Platinum Stars last weekend. They face Chicken Inn at Bata Stadium.
Dynamos are back at Rufaro where they host Arenel Movers following their 1-1 draw against Caps United on Sunday.
DeMbare are desperate for points, with coach Mangombe under pressure to bag maximum points.
