Bruce Chikuni
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza says he won’t blame anyone within his camp for a first half campaign which has seen them drift 11 points behind leaders Highlanders.
The champions are bidding to become the first local side to win the championship FIVE times in a row.
But, after a first half campaign in which they have struggled to stamp their authority, they appear to have drifted far away from the clubs with a good chance to be crowned champions.
After 17 matches, FC Platinum are sixth with 26 points and have not won in their last four fixtures.
Overhauling the deficit will be a huge achievement for the platinum miners, who have already lost five games.
Even their usually dependable defence has been struggling so far, averaging two goals a game resulting in a miserly plus-two goal difference.
Mapeza wants his charges to be mentally strong, starting with a home tie against Simba Bhora at Mandava tomorrow.
“Our preparations are going well, sometimes it’s very disturbing when you’re putting in work but results are not coming.
“But, we are going to be patient, I cannot blame any player for our situation but it’s something which we need to remain positive to get over.
“We have been in this situation before but what’s important is for us to be mentally strong,” said Mapeza.
He said most of his players were available for duty.
“Innocent Mucheneka is the only player who is out, everyone is ready to play.
“We are going to be okay, we just need to keep fighting as a team because there is power in fighting as a unit than as individuals.”