Story by Anashe Murombedzi
A big weekend lies ahead in the Castle Premier Soccer League as log leaders, CAPS United clash with second-placed FC Platinum, while giants Highlanders and Dynamos reignite the battle of Zimbabwe.
Match-day four in the Castle Premier Soccer League saw a slight change on the log table, as Dynamos drew nil-all with Cranborne Bullets to cede pole position to their Harare rivals, CAPS United, who collected maximum points after a 2-nil victory over Black Rhinos.
Defending champions FC Platinum also moved up to second after a 2-1 victory over Bulawayo Chiefs.
This has set up a rare weekend in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League where teams in the top four will face off in what is expected to be a match day of intrigue.
As if fate has it, CAPS United, FC Platinum, Highlanders, and Dynamos are also the country’s big four.
Dynamos are the ultimate giants with 22 league titles followed by Highlanders with seven, CAPS United with five, and FC Platinum with four.
The big guns who have flexed their muscles as the early pacesetters this season will cancel each other in match-day five when CAPS United date second-placed FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday a day after Highlanders host Dynamos at Babourfields.
The four coaches have almost the same ambitions.
Portuguese import Baltermer Brito hopes to end Highlanders’ 17-year drought, Herbert Maruwa is fighting for silverware during his first season at Dynamos to end Dembare’s nine year-wait for league honours.
CAPS United’s most decorated son as a coach and player Lloyd Chitembwe is pushing to bring back the glory days at the Green Machine after a seven-year wait for the league title.
Former Warriors captain Norman Mapeza the man who shifted the power base in Zvishavane from Shabanie Mine to FC Platinum is looking forward to making it five league titles in a row for the Platinum Miners.
Matchday five starts on Friday with Cranborne Bullets hosting Yadah in a midday kick-off at the National Sports Stadium while new boys Simba Bhora have a date with Hwange at the same venue at 3 pm.
On Saturday, Highlanders host Dynamos at Babourfields stadium, league debutants Sheasham play Green Fuel at Mandava, Herentals entertain ZPC Kariba at the National Sports stadium while Manica Diamonds square off with Ngezi Platinum at Gibbo.
The action continues on Sunday with CAPS United hosting defending champions FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium, Triangle lock horns with Black Rhinos at Gibbo as Bulawayo Chiefs play Chicken Inn at Luveve.
