“FC PLATINUM will not the leave the Colliery with a point.”
THANDIWE MOYO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
This is the bold message from Hwange coach Nation Dube as the two teams prepare for a bruising battle in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter which could decide the top four.
“Siabachoka (they will not leave),” said Dube speaking in Nyanja which is one of the dominant languages in Hwange.
Dynamos, ZPC Kariba and Caps United have already qualified for the Mbada Diamonds Cup with only one place left which FC Platinum, Hwange, Highlanders and Chicken Inn are fighting for.
FC Platinum are fourth on the log with 45 points followed closely by Hwange who are three points behind and are level on points with Highlanders and Chicken Inn — a point behind with 41.
Highlanders are away to Shabanie Mine and Chicken Inn play Buffaloes at home.
“It will be serious business when we play them,” Dube said.
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“The top-three have already been confirmed and there is only one place left which we have to fight for against Platinum, Highlanders and Chicken Inn. We have to win that match if we are to qualify.”
In the last match, Hwange lost 0-1 to Triangle, who are not too far off from the chopping block while Platinum beat Chicken Inn 2-0.
“We do not know how their coach (Norman Mapeza) has motivated them. We have been told that they are playing well, but it will be there for us to see,” he said.
FC Platinum lost their first league encounter 2-3 at Mandava Stadium and will be seeking revenge as they are unbeaten in the last six games.
“The players know that they should not leave the Colliery with the three points,” he said. “Siabachoka. That is what the players are saying. We have to play well and win our last two matches.”
Hwange’s last match is against Buffaloes while FC Platinum will play relegated Chiredzi at home, where they are assured of maximum points.
The coal miners will be without three of their key players — Munyaradzi Mungadze, Takabva Mawaya and Gilbert Zulu — due to suspension for accumulating three yellow cards while Wisdom Mutasa for FC Platinum is out for the same reason.