The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
THEIR last four league encounters have ended in a stalemate and the last three of those three duels have been goalless.
That’s how close match ups between CAPS United and FC Platinum have been as the two brace for Saturday’s epic clash to decide the destiny of the 2019 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League trophy.
National Sports is the venue and kick off is 3pm.
FC Platinum, on 59 points and one ahead of CAPS United, have a slight advantage as they only need a draw, at the very least, to be crowned kings of domestic football for a third straight season.
Makepekepe need an outright win to claim a second league title in three seasons.
The two sides have met 17 times in the league since FC Platinum’s debut top flight season in 2011.
And Makepekepe have five wins, Pure Platinum Play just the one win, while the other 11 clashes have failed to produce a winner.
The only time FC Platinum beat CAPS United in a league match was back on April 26, 2014 when the Zvishavane won 2-1 at Mandava.
On the other hand, Makepekepe have never lost to Pure Platinum Play in a league match in Harare.
The two have met eight times in the capital since 2011.
CAPS United have four wins, the other four ended in draws.
It’s a clash between the league’s best scorers and the division’s meanest rearguard.
CAPS United have plundered in 53 goals while FC Platinum have conceded 15 times in 33 games.
Pure Platinum Play, whose defence is marshaled by veteran centre back Gift Bello, have clean 21 sheets and conceded more than one goal per game on three occasions.
Only Mushowani Stars, Triangle and Chicken Inn have scored more than one goal against the defending champions.
FC Platinum drew 2-2 against Mushowani at Rufaro, they lost 1-2 to the Gamecocks at Mandava and also went down 0-2 at Gibbo against Triangle.
FC Platinum travelled to Harare six times this season to face Mushowani, Yadah Stars, Black Rhinos, Herentals, Dynamos and Harare City.
They lost only once, a 0-1 defeat against Rhinos on July 27.
While CAPS United coach Darlington Dodo and his counterpart Lizwe Sweswe are gunning for the big prize, it’s a different cup of coffee for Thulani Sibanda, Rahman Gumbo, Lloyd Chitembwe, Thomas Chinyan’anya, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva and Genesis Mangombe who are all embroiled in a tricky relegation fight.
Two amongst Bulawayo Chiefs, TelOne, Harare City, Chapungu, Herentals and Yadah will join already relegated duo of Mushowani and Hwange after 5pm on Saturday.
Mangombe’s Yadah visit Mushowani at Trojan, Chiefs and Herentals clash at Luveve, Harare City host Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro while TelOne play Chicken Inn at Barbourfields.
Chapungu host Highlanders at Ascot.
Fixtures
Saturday: Bulawayo Chiefs v Herentals (Luveve), Chicken Inn v TelOne (BF), Hwange v ZPC Kariba (Colliery), Mushowani Stars v Yadah (Trojan), Triangle v Dynamos (Gibbo), Harare City v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro), CAPS United v FC Platinum (NSS), Chapungu v Highlanders (Ascot0
Sunday: Black Rhinos v Manica Diamonds (NSS)
