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Daniel Vheremu

From Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC PLATINUM captain Daniel Vheremu has warned Dynamos against expecting any favours from them in today’s league encounter at Mandava Stadium.DeMbare enjoy a three-point lead ahead of second-placed Highlandes but a loss today and a win for Highlanders at Harare City might have some serious repercussions for their title charge.

“We are playing for ourselves, and we are not going to do Dynamos any favours. Dynamos beat us in 2011 when we wanted the championship but tomorrow (today) we are playing to get maximum points but its not a grudge match,” said Vheremu.

He said the difference in points between them and Dynamos was not much and if they win their remaining matches, they can win the championship.

FC Platinum beat DeMbare 2-0 last season under Llyod Mutasa. This season the platinum miners lifted the Uhuru Cup at the expense of the Glamour Boys in a match played at the giant National Sports Stadium.

Everyone has huge confidence in the newly appointed championship winning coach, Norman Mapeza who led the now relegated Monomotapa to the winners’ podium in 2010.

His arrival has already seen them lifting the ZNA Commaders’ Charities Shield after pummelling Caps United 6-0.

Zambian international Obrey Chirwa is expected to spearhead the miners’ attack and will be assisted by Michelle Katsvairo.

FC Platinum boasts of talented left back Quadr Amin and they also have James Marufu, Aaron Katebe, hardworking Thabani Kamusoko, Simon Shoko and shotstopper Petros Mhari. They are all available for selection this afternoon.

A victory by the home side will bring smiles to its passionate followers and there will be huge celebrations as far away as Bulawayo as the southern region hopes to see a shift in the championship race.

Coach Mapeza will be under pressure to  prove his mettle against another giant at  Mandava as Highlanders have already collected maximum points while Caps United have fallen twice.

DeMbare go into today’s match without one of their most trusted lieutenants this season in Themba Ndlovu who is serving a one match suspension for picking up three yellow cards.

His absence might see newboy Elisha Muroiwa making his long awaited entry into the DeMbare starting line-up.

The Glamour boys remain unbeaten in their last 11 league games, having suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Hwange, way back on June 15.