The last time they met they could not be separated. They are the top two teams not by chance, but log leaders FC Platinum and chasing Harare giants Caps United have been a class above the rest in the race for the 2016 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
By Sports Reporter
With just two points separating them, hosts Caps will be hoping to end the day at the summit of the log standings when the two teams clash in a top-of-the-table “Green derby” match at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
FC Platinum are desperate to put some daylight between them and their nearest rivals in pursuit of a maiden league championship, but trips to Harare to play Makepekepe have more often than not ended in tears for The Green of Zvishavane in the past.
Coached by Norman Mapeza, the log leaders from the Midlands have never beaten Makepekepe in the capital and boast of a single win in 11 attempts against today’s hosts since they were promoted into the top-flight league in 2012.
Coming on match day 18, this match could determine the champions-elect for the ongoing season.
“It’s a huge game, this game is a very important top-of-the-table clash. We are both challenging for honours, they play good football we play good football and so we expect the game to be a good football fiesta for the fans,” Caps United assistant coach Fungai Kwashi said at the team’s Press conference on Thursday
He added: “Both sides are in good health in terms of performance and results. The spirit is high in camp, but what we try to do is to take each game as it comes and not get ahead of ourselves. But whenever we play home or away we always aim for maximum points, aim for the best, we will have a good day.”
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The form guide shows identical statistics for both teams in the last six matches as they have all won thrice, drawn twice and lost once.
But the hosts will be buoyed by the mid-week triumph away to Tsholotsho in Bulawayo on Wednesday while FC Platinum stuttered in a one-all draw at home to Hwange on the same day.
Veteran striker Leonard Tsipa returns to action for the hosts after serving a two-match ban following a red card against Highlanders at Barbourfields last month.
In his absence, however, Dominic Chungwa adequately assumed the starring role for the Harare side scoring the winning goals in the last two matches.
Also making a comeback from suspension is defender Justice Jangano, who missed the game against Tsholotsho after having accumulated three yellow cards, while Ronald Pfumbidzai and Tafadzwa Rusike should be fit for today’s match after missing the trip to Bulawayo due to injuries.
After the home draw against Hwange, Mapeza took heart in the fact that he has to play today’s big match as the log leaders, a situation which could boost the confidence in his players.
“Though we dropped two points at home, we take positives from the game. A point gained will add to our points,” Mapeza said.
“The guys did well, we created a lot of chances, unfortunately, they did not convert most of them. “But the most important thing is that we are still top of the log and our next game against Caps United will be a top-of-the-table clash with us still ahead of them on points.”
The Zvishavane-based side has strengthened the squad during this transfer window snapping up three experienced players in Charles Sibanda, William Stima and Makai Kawashu.
Third-placed Highlanders have been awful in the last three matches, losing two and drawing one.
After the 2-1 embarrasment at the hands of relegation strugglers Mutare City on Thursday, they are on the road to Gibbo Stadium where another tough encounter against Triangle awaits them.
Dynamos, on fourth, have not been as bad as Highlanders, but they are also struggling having drawn their last four matches, earning themselves a moniker “Drawmos”.
They are also on the road this weekend, travelling down to Beitbridge for what appears a winnable match against basement side Border Strikers.
Coach Lloyd Mutasa will be hoping that his men will find their scoring boots having fired blanks in the last four matches.
They could start their match tomorrow on fifth position if today’s game between highfliers Ngezi Platinum and ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga produces a winner.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday 18 fixtures
Today: Bulawayo City v Hwange (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Ngezi Platinum (Nyamhunga), Chicken Inn v Chapungu (Luveve), Caps United v FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium, SS) Tomorrow: Triangle v Highlanders (Gibbo), How Mine v Harare City (Luveve), Border Strikers v Dynamos (Dulibadzimu), Mutare City v Tsholotsho (Sakubva)
