The Sunday News
A POTENTIALLY exciting match is in store at Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo this afternoon when Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title aspirants How Mine clash with plucky FC Platinum.
While the rest of the country would be focused on the titanic battle between giants Dynamos and Highlanders in the capital, the match between How Mine and FC Platinum should provide enough entertainment for those who will find their way to Luveve Stadium.
Going into round 12 of the PSL matches this weekend, How Mine were on 21 points, the same number with yet to be beaten former champions Highlanders and a point behind log leaders Hwange.
Ncube said his counterpart Lloyd Mutasa was in a fortunate position as he was spoilt for choice with a lot of talented players at his disposal.
“As How Mine we have prepared for the match, we have done our homework and that is going to show after 90 minutes, we do not want to say much before the match,’’ said Ncube.
How Mine have enjoyed a fine run of form since getting over losing their first two matches to Dynamos and Bantu Rovers with six wins and three draws.
The goldminers go into today’s encounter high on confidence following their 2-1 away win over Buffaloes in Mutare, a victory that saw temporarily top the log standings before being dislodged by Hwange.
Still missing for How Mine is midfielder Warren Dube who has not played a single league match this season after picking up an injury during the team’s participation in the Orange Confederation of African Football Confederation Cup early this year.
After assembling a solid unit for the current season, How Mine coach Ncube will look to Ephraim Mazarura, George Magariro, Nyasha Mukumbi, Xolisani Moyo, Wonder Sithole, Timothy January, James Chitereki, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Gilbert Banda, Menard Mupera and Kuda Musharu, the leading goal scorer this season with eight goals to his name, as Chikurupati seek to keep alive their hopes of being crowned Zimbabwe’s football champions in only their second season in top flight football.
The Mutasa-coached Kugona Kunenge Kudada outfit has displayed some attractive brand of football but consistency, which has seen them collect just 14 points from 11 games, has been their worst enemies.
Skipper Thabani Kamusoko has been in great form this season and if he combines well with exciting winger Marshal Mudehwe, Stephen Sibanda, the hard running Donald Ngoma, Tarisai Rukanda and Allan Gahadzikwa, the visitors might prove a handful for How Mine.
In other fixtures set for this afternoon, Hwange will look to consolidate their position on top of the log when they welcome Chicken Inn at their fortress, the Colliery Stadium, Shabanie Mine host yet to be defeated ZPC Kariba at Maglas Stadium while bottom of the log placed side Chiredzi take on Caps United.
Fixtures
Dynamos v Highlanders(NSS), Hwange v Chicken Inn(Colliery), How Mine v FC Platinum(Luveve), Shabanie Mine v ZPC Kariba(Maglas).
