FC PLATINUM gaffer Norman Mapeza is confident that his side can thrive in home comforts as they return to Mandava Stadium for a tough clash against Manica Diamonds this afternoon.
He is upbeat that after two away matches, where they picked just one point before the international break, they are now rested and refreshed to kick on.
His team has fallen four points behind log leaders Simba Bhora, but they believe they can eat into the gap.
The four-time PSL champions last won a league match on August 10 when they beat Arenel Movers 3-1.
That was followed by a 1-0 defeat away to Bikita Minerals at Sakubva and a 1-1 draw with ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga prior to the international break.
Ultimately, the rough patch saw them surrender pole position to Simba Bhora, who now lead the pack with 50 points.
Mapeza and his men are second with 46 points on their tally.
They face rejuvenated Manica Diamonds, who are on an upward trajectory after ending their nine-match winless run.
- Mapeza wary of Diamond invasion
- FC Platinum open nine point lead
- Mapeza discovers another gem
- DeMbare not giving up title fight
Keep Reading
The Gem Boys beat Arenel Movers to breathe hope into their campaign after a long, dry spell.
Ahead of the match, Mapeza said: “We had two difficult away fixtures before the international break. We managed to go to Kariba and get a point, which was a positive.
“But those two matches were difficult. What is important now is to use home advantage against Manica Diamonds.
“We now have a four-point deficit so at the end of the day, we don’t have to put ourselves under pressure.”
He added: “Right now, we have to take each game as it comes. After those two games, there was a lot of travelling from Zvishavane to Kariba, so the guys needed a break and rest.
“But even if we had played the game against Manica Diamonds last weekend, I was going to take it because everyone would be playing.
“With what I have seen in training, I think we’ll get a positive result. They played last weekend against Arenel, but for us, it s all about being confident with our plans as a team.”
