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Mukudzei Chingwere Sports Reporter
AFTER his advantage at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer was narrowed to just two points by relentless chasers Ngezi Platinum Stars, FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza insists his charges will bounce back against beleaguered Harare Dynamos at Mandava tomorrow.

The champions endured a week to forget after first being knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup by Chapungu in the first round before they were on Wednesday humbled 3-1 by Taurai Mangwiro’s Triangle in a Premiership encounter.

It was the first time FC Platinum have lost back-to-back games since their elimination from the CAF Champions League early this year after they succumbed to a home and away drubbing by Angolan giants Primero Agosto.

The Angolans have gone on to post some impressive results on the continent.

Mapeza implored his charges to quickly bounce back against Dynamos, who have been reduced to a laughing stock after a poor run this season which has seen them flirting with relegation for the better part of the campaign.

“We need to keep on working hard and stay focused the previous games are now history we cannot keep talking about that.

“As for the Dynamos situation it happens in football and they will come here to compete and we should be mentally ready for that,” said Mapeza.

If the defending league champions go on to lose their third game on the bounce they will surrender top spot to Ngezi should Tonderai Ndiraya’s men get maximum points away against Bulawayo City at Barbourfields the same day.

But, the FC Platinum gaffer is not losing any sleep saying his charges have the clout of handling the weight of pressure as they have consistently done through out the whole campaign.

“We need to bounce back we have been in this situation before, before the Herentals game we were on top of the log leading by two points and it is not new to us,” said Mapeza.

Meanwhile, Nichrut FC head coach John Nyikadzino was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Clay Bank hospital in Gweru yesterday, a day after surviving a horrific car crash.

Nyikadzino was involved in an accident on the Shurugwi — Gweru highway on his way to Ascot where his side were hosting Harare City on Wednesday.

Nichrut went on to secure a comprehensive 3-0 win and enhance their survival prospects as the victory helped move out of the drop zone.

Fixtures:

Saturday: Black Rhinos v Triangle United (NSS), Harare City v Chicken Inn (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava), Bulawayo City v  Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields)

Sunday: CAPS United v Highlanders (NSS), Chapungu v Shabanie Mine (Ascot), Herentals v  Mutare City Rovers (Rufaro), Bulawayo Chiefs v Nichrut (Luveve)

Monday: Yadah v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro)