Story by Mthokozisi Dube
A top of the table clash is on the cards in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this weekend as log leaders FC Platinum host second placed Ngezi Platinum at Mandava stadium on Saturday.
The much-touted platinum battle erupts at Mandava on Saturday with a number of sub-plots spicing up the top of the table clash.
The two sides are separated by five points heading into Saturday’s fixture with Zvishavane based FC Platinum top of the log with 38 points while defending Champions Ngezi Platinum are second with 33 points.
The two sides have also won the last five PSL Titles with FC Platinum bagging four on the trot before Ngezi wrestled it away last season.
The Platinum Miners are also in good form going into the match with Ngezi Platinum winning their past seven encounters while FC Platinum are undefeated in nine matches.
Meanwhile, 2015 champions Chicken Inn are targeting to turn their six-match slump into points when they face debutants Arenel in a low-key Bulawayo derby on Saturday.
Chicken Inn head coach Joey Antipas summed up the task that lies ahead, “We have had another slump. The league is very competitive if you look at how the top four sides are doing, they are running away with it. We have been putting a lot of effort for our weekend game against Arenel . It is going to be a difficult game seeing that Arenel are not a bad side, but have been losing with identical one score lines. Our focus is now on rebuilding so that we compete next season. We have brought in new guys. We are working on those combinations but ist still work in progress.”
The Gamecocks have roped in striker Albert Nyamutsaka from Gaborone United of Botswana and welcome back midfielder Tafadzwa Kutinyu from injury.
They have also snatched Feldman Miguel from Bulawayo Chiefs.
Nyamutsaka is already motivated to make a name for himself in Gamecocks colours.
“I am happy to be here . Everyone is helping me to settle and I am prepared to help the team by scoring. The Zimbabwean premier league is more physical than the Botswana league, he said.
Match day 19 action starts on Saturday with Yadah hosting Bikita Minerals at the Heart stadium while Green Fuel will be out to restore lost form in ahome clash with Simba Bhora.
ZPC Kariba host Chegutu Pirates at Nyamhunga while Arenel face Chicken Inn at Luveve.
On Sunday, Hwange welcome a wounded Dynamos to the Colliery while Highlanders are involved in city derby with Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields stadium.
Manica Diamonds host Telone at Sakubva while CAPS United date Herentals at Rufaro.
