Ricky Zililo and Paul Mundandi Sports Reporters
FOOTBALL lovers in Bulawayo are in for a treat this weekend as the REAL Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title contenders will do battle in what should most likely decide the destiny of the most prized trophy in domestic football.
The City of Kings’ football fiesta starts tomorrow with second-placed FC Platinum taking on relegation-threatened Tsholotsho FC at Luveve Stadium.
FC Platinum have gone on an unbeaten run of 14 league games consisting of 13 wins and five draws, while Tsholotsho lie fourth from the bottom with four wins, nine draws and 10 losses.
The Zvishavane-based outfit has 44 points and a win over the league’s strugglers will leave them two points behind leaders Chicken Inn, who take on defending champions Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
A fortnight ago, FC Platinum registered a big 3-0 victory over How Mine at Luveve Stadium and will be hoping to post another big win against the Zhwane Boys.
The ambitious platinum miners, who are aiming at becoming the first club from outside Harare and Bulawayo to lift the PSL title, should, however, brace for a gruelling encounter as Tsholotsho won’t hand them victory on a silver platter.
Tsholotsho this week “strengthened” their technical department by roping in ex-Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu as assistant to head coach Lizwe Sweswe.
Mafu started his new job at Tsholotsho on Tuesday and is likely to be in the dugout tomorrow.
Sweswe said despite them being fourth from the bottom, his side is capable of springing a shocker against the more fancied FC Platinum.
“We’re not worried about how our opponents are playing because this is a new ball game altogether. We respect FC Platinum as they are a good side with a good coach and players, but we are ready for them,” said Sweswe.
“They might be enjoying a good spell but this is football and we can get a positive result from this game. What is important is for us to work as a team and fight hard. We’ve been playing well, but luck hasn’t been on our side. We just need to convert the chances we create and who knows, it may be this weekend,” he said.
Tsholotsho thrive more on teamwork than individual brilliance, just like their Zvishavane opponents.
Former national team forward Joel Luphahla, defensive midfielder Butholezwe Ncube, skipper William Stima, playmaker Ocient Ncube, striker Lynnoth “Sonjie” Chikuhwa and goalkeeper Nickel Marichi are the core of the Tsholotsho team and will lead tomorrow’s hunt for maximum points to help steer the side away from relegation.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza said his team is focused on getting maximum points after last weekend’s defeat to Dynamos in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals.
“Initially we were focused on both competitions, but we have now shifted our attention to the league just like other teams that have been eliminated from the knockout tournament,” said Mapeza.
“It was unfortunate that we could not progress in the Chibuku tournament, but life has to go on. We have to go out there (Tsholotsho FC) and bring a positive result,” said Mapeza.
FC Platinum will be without their man-of-the-moment Gerald Takwara due to suspension, but Mapeza said he has an equally good replacement for the defensive midfielder.
Winston Mhango will be thrust into central midfield where he is likely to partner Allan Gahadzikwa, who comes in as a replacement for Takwara.
The platinum miners also have experienced defender Gift Bello, goalkeeper Petros Mhari, the Moyo twins Kevin and Elvis, Tatenda Dzumbunu, Marshall Mudehwe and Zambian international Obrey Chirwa to call on against Tsholotsho.
On Sunday, defending champions Dynamos need nothing short of victory to keep their hopes of securing a record fifth consecutive title alive when they take on Chicken Inn.
DeMbare coach Tonderai Ndiraya said they were braced for a tough encounter against the Gamecocks.
“It’s a tough fixture. We need to be focused because they are the league leaders and we have to work hard. We’re going to Bulawayo with high hopes because we have to keep believing and fight till the last whistle of the season,” said Ndiraya.
His Chicken Inn counterpart Joey Antipas believes his charges are capable of completing a double against the reigning champions.
“We are not even thinking about a defeat. What we are working on is how we will unlock Dynamos. Everyone is geared up for the match and playing against a big side like Dynamos is self motivating,” said Antipas.
“If we manage a victory that will be a major boost in as far as the road to the title is concerned. Like I always say, at this stage of the season there is no room for a mistake because every point is important,” he said.
Veteran midfielder Clemence Matawu, skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri and the striking duo of Edmore Chirambadare and Mitchell Katsvairo will be key figures in Chicken Inn’s quest to lay one hand on the championship this Sunday.