Zimpapers Logo

Norman Mapeza

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
FC Platinum will be eager to put their woes behind them when they begin the defence of the Independence Cup against troubled CAPS United at Mandava this afternoon.Both teams had a bad build up to this Uhuru Cup clash after losing heavily in their last league games at the weekend. However, Makepekepe beat FC Platinum in a league match about three weeks ago but the platinum miners said they have since put that defeat behind them.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza yesterday said his side is determined to turn the tables in their quest to retain the title they won last year under Lloyd Mutasa via a penalty shoot-out victory over Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium. Mapeza said, besides playing for the pride, the Uhuru Cup was of huge significance to them.

“We should not forget that there are people who lost their lives for us to be where we are today. So this game should be played in the good spirit of football since it celebrates our country’s independence. “As holders of the trophy, it’s very important that we play well in this semi-final so that we will be able to defend the title. The fact that we are the holders should spur us on.

“We know that CAPS United are a quality team, they are very good so we should be well prepared. The players know what is at stake and I am sure it will be a very good game considering that both teams didn’t do well last weekend,” said Mapeza. FC Platinum are coming from a 1-3 home humiliation by Chicken Inn while CAPS United suffered a huge 4-0 defeat at Triangle. Mapeza welcomes Wisdom Mutasa from national Under-23 team duty but the Young Warriors skipper is likely to be rested after leading the nation to the All-Africa Games.

On the other hand, CAPS United coach Mark Harrison appears to have no other option but to field Ronald Pfumbidzai who was also with the Young Warriors team that beat Cameroon on aggregate at the weekend.  Harrison also faces a mammoth task to motivate his players following his side’s 4-0 thumping at Triangle over the weekend. Morale is on a low with players still demanding what they are owed by the club in sign-on fees, salaries and winning bonuses.

“It’s a little bit frustrating though that a lot of players haven’t been paid their monies. We are trying to do our best under the circumstances and it’s a challenge to keep the players in the right frame of mind. I think you understand our financial position as a club,” said Harrison. The Green Machine left for Zvishavane yesterday afternoon but without their veteran striker Leonard Tsipa who has been ruled out because of an ankle injury. Harrison said he was expecting a more competitive match.

ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela told the association’s website www.zifa.org.zw that US$22 000 has been set aside for the prizes. “Winners of the cup will pocket US$10 000 while the losing finalists will earn a US$5 000 consolation.

Losing semi-finalists will square off in Bulawayo on 18 April in the third and fourth place play off where the winners will walk away US$4 000 richer while the losers will get a reward of US$3 000,” Gwesela said.