FC PLATINUM gaffer Norman Mapeza has warned his charges that Manica Diamonds pose a great threat to their sterling record as they prepare for a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League date at Mandava Stadium tomorrow.
On paper, Manica Diamonds has one of the strongest teams in the topflight that include Liberty Chakoroma, Pasca Manhanga, Collins Duwa and Nyasha Chintuli to mention just four.
The table toppers hope to bounce back to winning ways following two draws with Black Rhinos and Ngezi Platinum in their last two matches.
“We are facing a quality side. If you look at how they started the season, they were on fire, but they had mishaps. Right now they have regrouped and they are picking points” Mapeza said.
“They beat Yadah and also beat Craneborne Bullets in the Chibuku Super Cup. This means, it's not going to be any easy match for us and my message has been the same, we need to be consistent.”
Mapeza admits that matches are becoming difficult as the league approaches the homestretch with only nine rounds of matches left.
His side sits at the top with a six-point advantage over Dynamos and seven over third-placed Chicken Inn who both failed to take full advantage of the platinum miners’ draw with Ngezi Platinum Stars last week.
“After the game against Ngezi, we were both agreed that games are getting tough, but I am just hoping we get the positive result that we need at home.
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“At this point, I am happy that we have remained organised because we have been very organised at the back and also clinical in the front of except for the last two league matches,” he added.
Meanwhile, the pair of Innocent Mucheneka and Nigel Makumbe are out of the match due to injury.
Donald Teguru has effectively been ruled off the season after fracturing his achilles tendon. Captain Petros Mhari and William Stima have since resumed training.