Zimpapers Logo

Norman Mapeza

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZPC Kariba coach Saul Chaminuka is worried that the absence of experienced midfielder Pride Tafirenyika could affect his side when they visit in-form FC Platinum at Mandava on Saturday.
Chaminuka’s men are just two points behind champions Dynamos and the widely travelled coach is aware of the huge threat posed by the miners who have found their touch and have been on a revival mission since Norman Mapeza took charge.

It is against this background that Chaminuka would have wanted one of his best players this season Tafirenyika as they aim to capitalise on any slip-up by Dynamos.

Tafirenyika will be suspended for picking up three yellow cards with his last booking against Triangle at Gwanzura.
The former Shooting Stars and CAPS United man has, however, been of value to ZPC Kariba and his exploits have not gone unnoticed by Chaminuka who reckoned that their showdown against FC Platinum needed a player of Tafirenyika’s calibre.

“We are going to miss Pride a lot as he has much influence on the team and his experience was going to add value to the team.
“We have a large pool of players, but it will be difficult to replace Tafirenyika considering his form in recent games. He is a game changer and has vast experience. We are, however, going to make do without him,” said Chaminuka.

Despite ZPC Kariba having only lost twice this year and very much in the title reckoning, Chaminuka insisted on playing down his team’s championship credentials, saying their major aim at the moment was just a “strong finish’’.

“The league is not our priority as yet, but the game against FC Platinum is of great importance for our top four campaign.”
Chaminuka said they are taking FC Platinum seriously, but would not read much into the miners’ current form.

“We are taking the game against FC Platinum seriously and we look forward to collecting maximum points. We have been good travellers and I hope it will be the same after our Mandava trip.

“Our preparations are going on well and we are prepared to face FC Platinum as most of our games have been against in-form teams. Them playing at home they will need nothing short of maximum points, but we are going to give them a good run for their money on Saturday.”
Chaminuka said he has managed to blend experience and youthful players which is working well.

“We have managed to maintain consistency after merging experience and young players so I hope the guys will get a positive result.
“We are happy that we have surpassed our target of a top eight finish in our first campaign and we are now aiming for the top four. The result will make sure that we remain in contention for a top four finish and a slot in the Mbada Diamonds Cup so it is crucial that we amass maximum points”.

ZPC Kariba could go top of the table should they beat FC Platinum as leaders Dynamos would only be in action 24 hours later when they host Chapungu at Rufaro.

While a place at the top awaits ZPC Kariba should they win against FC Platinum, for Mapeza and his “Kugona kunenge kudada” outfit, victory would keep alive their bid for a top-four finish and a place in the Mbada Diamonds Cup.

FC Platinum have already won the ZNA Army Commander’s Charity Shield, they are in the Chibuku Super Cup final and playing in the Mbada Diamonds Cup would leave them on course for a possible treble.

Mapeza also underlined the significance of beating ZPC Kariba.
“So far so good. We resumed training on Tuesday and things are working well for the team, everyone is working hard. The ZPC Kariba match is an important encounter which we should win at all cost,” Mapeza said.

“It is our hope that we fight for a top four finish and our recent form is through hard work, but the match is different from cup games so we will approach it with caution,” Mapeza said.

A win for the hosts would ensure that they join Harare City and Chapungu on the list of teams that have only managed to beat ZPC Kariba in the electricity men’s maiden season in the Premiership.

Chapungu managed to break ZPC Kariba’s unbeaten run with a convincing 3-0 win at Ascot back in August with Brighton Mugoni sinking a brace while defender Pardon Chinungwa scored an own goal.

Mapeza joined FC Platinum in the same month and has since August won four games, drawn one and lost two in the league.
The former Monomotapa and Warriors coach who has charmed the FC Platinum faithful only came short in his league meetings with Triangle in Chiredzi and Highlanders at home.