By Onward Gangata
FC PLATINUM coach, Norman Mapeza has urged his players to develop a thick skin in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title run in.
The Zvishavane based outfit are in what appears a two horse race for the title with log leaders Simba Bhora.
Mapeza’s charges are two points behind the Shamva based side who top the log standings with 47 points.
FC Platinum’s title charge suffered a dent last week in a 1-0 away loss to Bikita Minerals at Sakubva stadium.
And Mapeza is concerned with how the match officials will handle matches going forward given what transpired last week.
The former warriors skipper feels the match officials played a part in his side’s loss.
The sending off of FC Platinum defender, Mbongeni Ndlovu is the major bone of contention for Mapeza.
It is against this background that he encouraged his players to be up to the task.
“Psychologically our players got affected because there was nothing to warrant that red card,” Mapeza said on Thursday.
“This has been happening for some time now,” he added, before urging his players to be ready for the worst.
“But look, we have to go out there with a positive mind and be prepared for anything,” he added.
FC Platinum travel to Kariba to face ZPC Kariba at Nyamunga stadium on Saturday.
The power utility side are high in confidence after edging Arenel Movers 1-0 last week.
Consequently, Mapeza is wary of the threat posed by Kauya Katuruturu especially in their own back yard.
ZPC Kariba won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Mandava stadium in April.
LACK OF PRECISION IN FRONT OF GOALS
He decried his team’s poor conversion rate as their biggest let down this season.
Adding that his forwards will have to do better in front of goals if they’re to get a positive result.
“If you look at our statistics week in week out, we are creating a lot of chances,” Mapeza said.
“But it is that decision making in the final third that has been letting us down
“So we will face a side high in confidence and will have to manage those crucial moments,” he added.
FC Platinum will be without winger Davison Marowa who is nursing an injury.
