HARARE - FC Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari has stoked the fires of rivalry ahead of Sunday’s clash with Dynamos, arguing that DeMbare are “like any other team” in the Zimbabwean top-flight division.
Calisto Pasuwa’s side travel to Mandava Stadium on Sunday for resumption of league action as they look to maintain their three-point lead over second-placed Highlanders, but Mhari insists Kugona kenenge kudada will not roll over against the defending champions.
Eight games are left before season end.
Platinum – now under the guidance of former Zimbabwe captain Norman Mapeza – will come into this match high on confidence after beating CAPS United twice in the ZNA Charity Cup and Chibuku Super Cup in their two previous matches.
But in Dynamos, they face an ever-present menace, a team they have only beaten once in league ties since arriving on the Premiership scene in 2011.
And Mhari, who has been linked with a move to Dynamos, is unfazed by the club’s rather indifferent record against Dynamos.
“Dynamos is like any other team in the league, there is nothing special about DeMbare and we are hoping to collect maximum points at the weekend,” Mhari told the Daily News yesterday.
“Our preparations are going on well, as I’ve told you, we do not want to put ourselves under unnecessary pressure because we are facing Dynamos, we are in the same league and I don’t think we must give them too much respect.
“They are playing well, but we are not reading much into their form. We are only focusing on our game. All we want is the three points. I know Dynamos will be very motivated as you know they have their supporters even here in Zvishavane and we need to be at our best to beat them. Our mindsets should be right from the word go.”
Mhari believes Platinum have what it takes to finish in the top four of the Premiership this season – but he accepts it will be a major battle.
The platinum miners lie in sixth spot on 31 points after climbing the table in recent months.
With at least seven teams all in with a chance to finish in the top four, Mhari, who has worn the captain’s armband in the two wins over CAPS, acknowledges the size of the task ahead but says the way Platinum have responded to the chance in coaches fills him with confidence.
Mapeza was appointed mid-season following the sacking of Lloyd Mutasa after a string of poor results.
“Morale is very high, I want to thank our new coach," Mhari said.
“He doesn’t select the team on seniority alone; I’m delighted to see that even young players are now being given more game time under him, which augurs well for the future of the club.
“With Mapeza, I think we will end this season in the top four.”
Asked his views on the title race, Mhari said: “I think any team in the top four currently has the chance to win the league title.”