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Norman Mapeza

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
BLACK Rhinos face Mission Impossible in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals this weekend, but the army side have warned their opponents can only write them off at their own peril.Chauya Chipembere clash with Norman Mapeza’s in-form FC Platinum at Rufaro this Saturday on the back of a disappointing run of poor results in recent matches.

However, Rhinos team manager Wellington Mabiginye yesterday said they were looking to draw inspiration from the good start they made in this 16-team tournament.

Rhinos caused the biggest upset in the first round when they dumped giants Dynamos with a 1-0 win at Gwanzura.

They then hammered Triangle FC 4-0 in the quarter-finals.

“People should not write us off because of the bad run that we have experienced in the last month.  Like any other team in the competition, we are in the Chibuku Cup to win it.

“That is the reason we have been in there up to this stage. So, we are hoping to pick up from where we left off in the quarter-finals, we are not going to throw in the towel.

“At least, this could atone for the bad season that we have had as a team,” said Mabiginye.

Rhinos have lost their last three league matches to ZPC Kariba, CAPS United and Chicken Inn.

In contrast, FC Platinum have been enjoying a good spell on all fronts and look set to continue with their good form.

The platinum miners started off their campaign with a 3-0 win over Bantu Rovers in Mapeza’s first game in charge after taking over from Lloyd Mutasa.

They then edged CAPS United 1-0 in the last eight.

“FC Platinum are a changed side and they have posted some good results since the arrival of Norman Mapeza.  They are doing well and I am sure he needs this Cup as well to prove that he is a top coach. So this could be a tightly contested match.

“We are aiming to bounce back. Obviously, our recent loss to Chicken Inn and defeats in the other league matches against CAPS United and ZPC Kariba may have a negative psychological impact on the players, but it’s always possible to rise when you fall.

“The technical side know they have a big task to motivate the players, but from the conversations that I have had with the team it appears everyone is in the right mood.

“They are all looking forward to this match,” said Mabiginye.

The 16-team knock-out tournament was relaunched this year as sponsors Delta Beverages, who also bankroll the league title through the Castle Lager brand, poured in US$500 000.

The winners will walk away with US$75 000 while losing finalists pocket US$50 000.

The teams that made it to the last four will get US$25 000.