Battle royale at giant stadium Norman Mapeza
Norman Mapeza

Norman Mapeza

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS have promised Independence Cup holders FC Platinum a battle royale when the sides meet in the final of this year’s edition of the tournament at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.

The Harare giants have not forgotten the agony they suffered last year when the platinum miners snatched the Cup from right under their nose at the same venue after forcing a late equaliser and then wrapping up the game on penalties.

DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro believes the Glamour Boys are better prepared this time around following a solid start to the season.

“We know FC Platinum are a talented side and we have so much respect for their coach Norman Mapeza. But we haven’t forgotten what they did to us last year,” said Chihoro.

“They beat us in a penalty shoot-out after scoring a late equaliser when we had thought that we were going to win. But tomorrow (today) it’s going to be different. The guys here are working very hard. Everyone is geared up for this match and I am sure by 5pm we should be lifting this trophy.

“In fact, our aim this year is to try and win everything.”

The return of left-backs Ocean Mushure and Qadr Amini from injury has boosted the Glamour Boys’ manpower and morale ahead of the match.

The duo missed the semi-final tie against ZPC Kariba and the other league games that preceded it as coach David Mandigora was forced to tinker with his back four to find a solution to the left-back problem.

Mandigora won’t have such headaches today. In fact, he has a full squad at his disposal with the exception of Cliff Sekete, who is doing light training.

Dynamos rested the bulk of their first team players for the semi-final tie against ZPC Kariba with the team being skippered by Oscar Machapa.

The likes of Ronald Chitiyo, Simba Nhivi, Walter Mukanga, Erick Opoku, Stephen Alimenda, Sydney Linyama, Artwell Mukandi and team captain Augustine Mbara were all rested.

They are set to reclaim their places this afternoon.

FC Platinum, however, are not being moved.

Their coach Norman Mapeza said playing in the Independence Cup final should be self-motivating for his players.

Although they have struggled with their game of late, they stayed on course to defend their title after beating CAPS United through a penalty shoot-out.

The Zvishavane side could enjoy the backing of CAPS United and other neutrals as they fight in defence of their title.

“I have been telling my players that you have to wain these medals so that you can have something to show for your career.

“It’s exciting to be collecting the medals and I hope the guys will give their best,” said Mapeza.

Last year FC Platinum won the Chibuku Super Cup, the Uhuru Cup, the Zimbabwe National Army Charity Shield and the CG Msipa Trophy.

While going into the final as defending champions, Mapeza feels they have no pressure going into the game as the expectation is that the winners should be Dynamos who are in their backyard.

“It’s okay to reach the final of a Cup competition. The most important thing was working our way into the final, because it was going to be painful to lose in the semi-finals.

“Now that pressure has been removed and it’s game on. Chances are 50-50 because anything can happen in the final,” he said.

FC Platinum are likely to go into the game without Donald Ngoma and Walter Musona. But Zimbabwe Under-23 captain Wisdom Mutasa looks set to return into the fold.

The Young Warriors midfielder missed the semi-final against Makepekepe as he was rested as he had just arrived back from national duty with the Under-23 side that qualified for the Africa Games after beating Cameroon on aggregate.

After the Uhuru match, the platinum miners are expected back in Harare to face Harare City in a rescheduled league match at Rufaro next Wednesday.

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