Norman Mapeza
Both Mapeza and Antipas are vying to accomplish the rare feat of winning the title with two different teams after Mapeza landed the crown with Monomotapa in 2008 before Antipas matched that accomplishment in 2010 with Motor Action.
Antipas’ Chicken Inn currently top the standings with Mapeza’s FC Platinum five points behind in second-place. Unlike the cash rich FC Platinum who are the league’s magnet for top talent, unfashionable Chicken Inn were barely considered good enough to sustain a title challenge at the start of the campaign.
The form of striker Edmore Chirambadare earlier on however catapulted them into the limelight and they have not looked back.
Captain Danny Phiri has been consistent in midfield while goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has also played a crucial role. But Antipas has been a steadying influence with his experience and coolness coming in handy as the pressure intensifies with each passing game. The former Arcadia United defender also recruited well during the close-season, with new boys Chirambadare and Mitchell Kutsvairo proving a reliable source of goals.
Mapeza on the other hand may have inherited a team of top performers but he deserves credit for the manner in which his side recently recovered from a woeful start to the campaign to come within touching distance of the log leaders.
Besides, FC Platinum have been attracting the top talent since their debut season in 2011 but all the previous coaches have failed to bag the title.
Mapeza has also introduced an expansive, passing brand of football which has been a marvel to watch.
He has been successful on the transfer market too, with his recruits Brian Muzondiwa, Wellington Kamudyariwa and Gerald Takwara so far excelling.
But if history-chasing Dynamos are not allowed to cause another final day upset, it is only one of the two coaches who can win the title and write his name into the history books.
Post published in: Football