FC Platinum gaffer Norman Mapeza is looking to sign off the season with a big victory when they host Cranborne Bullets at the weekend in the final match of the season after which his side will be handed their Castle Lager Premiership trophy.
The trophy is their fourth on the trot but it’s the first time for the Zvishavane side to be handed the trophy in their home ground since winning their maiden title in 2017.
For that, Mapeza wants to have his men fire from all angles when they take on the army side.
“We don't want to drop points in our last game of the season. We have to end the season on a high note.
“We did well in the last 16 games. We are focused on winning and not being defeated especially that the celebration is at home. Our mindset remains the same going forward,” Mapeza said.
Mapeza took time to reflect on how they fared this season, which they started on a low note after severing ties with several senior players among them Rodwell Chinyengetere and Silas Songani.
“Firstly, we are grateful for everything. This match against Cranborne Bullets, it's the last match, it is important to me.
“Since I came here at FC Platinum, this is the first time ending a season at home. In 2017, we played the last match at Ascot in Gweru, in 2018 we played in Bulawayo. These are times I was here. Then 2022, it's our benefit that we are concluding the season at home, so I am happy that we are going to celebrate together with our loved ones at home in 2022,” he said.
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Going into the final match, the former Warriors gaffer is spoilt for selection options with all his men available for selection.
“This was never easy just like any other journey. There are always difficulties but I thank God, we ended on a healthy note.
“We didn't have as many injuries or illnesses. Most of the time we have little time to enjoy because of the nature of our job especially after winning but there is always pressure. I'm happy that we remained united since the season started. Of course a lot was said when the season started.
“We started well before the break and we came back with a few difficulties because we were using youngsters and also trying different combinations.
“So it was bound to be difficult but I knew that they would soon be on top of their game because they play with their hearts and I was hopeful we would get something at the end of the season.
“After some progress, we then said let's start pushing for the league and here we are today.”
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