FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza is expecting a tough challenge from TelOne when the two sides face-off in the Chibuku Super Cup first round.
The two have had contrasting fortunes in the league this season, where FC Platinum have been cruising nicely at the top, while TelOne have been languishing in the relegation zone.
Their latest meeting on week 17 ended in a 1-1 draw at Bata Stadium.
TelOne reached the first round of the tournament after beating Arenel Movers 4-2 on penalties after their match ended 0-0 in normal time.
And Mapeza is first to admit that TelOne will not be easy on them, especially that they are coming from an emphatic win over Yadah.
He has ordered his men to be extremely cautious.
“Everything has gone well so far. We don’t have many injury worries. We are taking this game seriously because you never know what happens when the season ends,” Mapeza said.
“They are coming from a good win against Yadah FC. That means they are coming here oozing with confidence, so we are ready and it will all depend on what we put in in 90 minutes because this is a Cup game.
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“The good thing is that we will be playing at home. All the top eight teams were seeded to play at home, so we are hoping to capitalise on that.”
TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa is highly motivated to prove a point against FC Platinum, which could perhaps be a consolation for their struggles in the league
“Now we face FC Platinum. Those are the opponents that we need to face. They give us the energy, but we want to work hard, especially in the league,” he said.
Two matches have been postponed due to the unavailability of Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos, who are playing in the Caf interclub competitions preliminary round.
Ngezi Platinum Stars are playing in the Caf Champions League, while Dynamos are taking part in the Caf Confederations Cup over the weekend.
In the other matches, Simba Bhora are set to host Herentals at Wadzanai Stadium today, with Chicken Inn entertaining Yadah at Luveve.
Caps United have a tough trip to Mutare, where they face Bkita Minerals at Sakubva.
Tomorrow, Manica Diamonds will host Chegutu Pirates at Sakubva.
Moreso, Highlanders date Green Fuel at Barbourfields on the same day.
Highlanders are motivated by the Caf Confederation Cup ticket that comes with winning the country’s premier knockout tournament.
“If you are winners, you are definitely given the opportunity to represent the country on an international stage and that is the Caf Confederation Cup,” said coach Kelvin Kaindu.
He will have to make decisions on players that have struggled with injuries in the run-up to the clash at Barbourfields.
“Marvin Sibanda picked up a knock and we are yet to get feedback from the team doctor. Archford Faria also had a slight injury on Sunday against Ngezi Platinum Stars, although he managed to do light training yesterday (Wednesday). We will assess them in the coming days to see if they are available for selection on Sunday,” the Zambian mentor told the media on Thursday.
