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Norman Mapeza

Munyaradzi Doma in ZVISHAVANE
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has said there is no room for complacency as the Castle Lager Premiership title contenders go hunting for maximum points against relegated Tsholotsho at Dulivhadzimu tomorrow. The former Warriors gaffer told a press conference yesterday that the platinum miners, who face a serious challenge for honours from Ngezi Platinum, Dynamos and Chicken Inn, will not be tempted to take their opponents lightly. Tsholotsho were the second team to be relegated this season after Bantu Rovers although there are still three rounds of matches to be played.

“People are saying they have nothing to play for but it’s going to be a difficult game for us, we are not going there with that mentality that Tsholotsho are out, Tsholotsho are done, I think we will be in for it,’’ said Mapeza.

“It’s a massive game for us. We need to go there and collect maximum points if we want to maintain our run, if we want to maintain our push for the championship. I think we have to go to Tsholotsho and come back with a result.” The platinum miners have their fate in their hands in the last three games as they are currently pegged at the top on 63 points, the same as leaders Ngezi Platinum, whom they host in their next assignment. Mapeza said he will not give any excuses about the turf at Dulivhadzimu adding that all they need is to win their match at all costs.

“For you to win games, you need to be strong, yes mental strength, you can talk about it but we need to go there and get the result. If you are not prepared mentally then you will be in trouble, so already, mental strength is there, the most important thing is to go there and play, come back home with the three points, that’s the most important thing,” said Mapeza. The coach also took the opportunity to explain his absence from the Warriors Legends versus Barcelona Legends match on Sunday saying he is currently nursing lower back pain.

He said he spoke to coach Sunday “Mhofu’’ Chidzamba about his predicament. The coach added that the international break could have come as a blessing in disguise as some guys could have been carrying some knocks. Winston Mhango echoed his coach’s sentiments saying that they are not playing for anything less than three points. Striker Mkhokeli Dube was voted October Player of Month and he got a lounge suite from Teecherz Home and Office worth $1 270.