Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor

FORMER champions, FC Platinum and Bulawayo giants, Highlanders have emerged as the teams to beat this season after setting the pace in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

The two giants who share 11 premier soccer league titles between them have set an early marker as they remain unbeaten after four outings.

FC Platinum are on top of the log with 10 points after three wins and a draw, while Highlanders also have to the same record with only alphabetical order separating the two sides.

They are also at par in terms of goals having scored six and conceded two.

FC Platinum are however not getting carried away with Coach Norman Mapeza saying they still need to work on a number of areas.

“I am happy we are showing signs of progress, we have been put under pressure this season but we have managed to without that and what I am more than happy about is the organisation of the team, how the players reacted to the pressure being put by the opposition, in midfield we still need to work on our creativity but am sure with time we will get there and play better.”

Fellow log leaders, Highlanders have already scored 25 percent of the goals they netted last season where they found the back of the net just 24 times.

Bulawayo Chiefs and Simba Bhora conclude the top four with seven points apiece.

Last year’s runners up, Manica Diamonds are singing the blues and they anchor the log with a single point, while Herentals are just above them based on goal difference.