The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race could take another dimension this weekend as the race for points reaches fever pitch.
The result of the much-talked about game between onfire FC Platinum and defending champions Dynamos at Mandava Stadium tomorrow could set the tone for the remainder of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race.
A draw between the two sides will give an advantage to leaders Chicken Inn who could extend their lead to seven points as they have a seemingly lucrative home tie against struggling ZPC Kariba.
A win for Dynamos will see their lead over FC Platinum extend to four points which would throw Kukona Kunenge Kudada out of the race.
A victory for FC Platinum will see them leapfrog Dynamos into second position, two points above the defending champions, which could turn the race into a fierce battle between the three teams.
Dynamos coach Tonderayi Ndiraya admits the game will not be easy, but says as the champions, they need to beat their strongest challengers to justify their billing.
However, much travelled coach Gishon Ntini believes Kugona Kunenge Kudada are on a roll saying Dynamos will not withstand the FC Platinum firepower and offers his prediction in favour of the home side.
The two teams have also been drawn to meet in the quarter finals of the Chibuku Super Cup on September 13.
But Dembare treasurer, Webster Marechera is cautious about the knockout tournament encounter following the draw conducted in Gweru yesterday.
Leaders Chicken Inn are happy to be playing against Chidzambwa’s struggling ZPC Kariba at home.
Although Chidzambwa says he is happy at Katuruturu he is open enough to say it has not been easy working with a team that was assembled by another coach.
While the Game Cocks are way at the top of the table on 43 points, four above Dynamos, the same cannot be said of ZPC Kariba who are on 21 points, just three points above Flame Lilly, who occupy the fourth relegation position.
Chidzambwa, however, has to be warned that the Zimbabwean football family will not look at when he started work should ZPC Kariba be relegated.
They will say he led the team to relegation.
The other appertising tie on the menu is the one at Rufaro Stadium Saturday between fifth placed Harare City and ninth placed Highlanders.
Highlanders have struggled throughout the season and a new coach in the form of Cosmos Zulu has taken over to try to change the team’s fortunes following the sacking of Bongani Mafu.
Whether he will be able to wave that magic hand against the underfire Taurayi Mangwiro is something else.
Tsholotsho Pirates coach Lizwe Sweswe says they are going out for three points, although they would still be comfortable in picking up one point.
Tsholotsho have 18 points, the same as Flame Lilly and Whawha. The three are just one point above bottom placed Dongo Sawmills.
