Preview: CLPSL Match-day 18

The second half of the 2018 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season will kick-off today with three matches lined up.

CAPS United will play Harare City in a match set for Rufaro Stadium. The two sides are separated by one point on the log standings. They have met 13 times in the league and Makepekepe have won 4 encounters while the Sunshine Boys have three victories.

The Green Machine welcome back their captain Hardlife Zvirekwi who missed action since the start of the campaign following a car accident in March. The 31-year-old full-back is part of the 18-man squad together with Stephen Makatuka who is returning from an injury.

First-choice goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba is also back after serving his red card suspension.

On the other hand, assistant coach Mark Mathe, skipper Tendai Samanja and defender Moses Muchenje will face their former paymasters in City colours. Samanja, however, will need to pass a late fitness test to feature in today’s clash.

Across the town, Herentals host Ngezi Platinum at National Sports Stadium.

Madamburo lost their rhythm after conceding three defeats in a row which left them six points behind log leaders FC Platinum. The Mhondoro-based outfit was unbeaten until Match-day 15 when they fell to Bulawayo Chiefs.

But today’s clash presents them with a fresh start as they seek to reclaim the pole position.

In Zvishavane, Pure Platinum Play will entertain ZPC Kariba at Mandava Stadium.

There are nine meetings between the two teams, and it’s FC Platinum who have dominated the tie. Kauya Katuruturu have one win which came in July 2016 at Mandava. This was the last time the Norman Mapeza coached-team failed to pick-up a point at home.

Defender Kevin Moyo is not available for the game while new signing Thomas Chideu could make his debut for the reigning champions.

David Temwanjira is also in line to make his first appearance for ZPC Kariba after completing his move from Shabanie Mine this week.

Meanwhile, today’s matches will start early to avoid the counter-attraction with the World Cup games.

Fixtures:

Saturday, July 7, 2018
Herentals vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (NSS – 13:30)
Harare City vs CAPS United (Rufaro Stadium)
FC Platinum vs ZPC Kariba (Mandava Stadium)

*All matches start at 2 pm except for the Herentals-Ngezi game).

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