WinlessESS Herentals College will be hoping to exploit the underdog tag when they face Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leaders, FC Platinum at Rufaro this afternoon.
Herentals captain Blessing Majarira believes pressure will be more on FC Platinum who are keen to reclaim the Premiership title they surrendered to Ngezi Platinum last season.
The Zvishavane based miners had a good start to their season picking two successive wins in their opening league games before settling for a point against Chicken Inn at Luveve last week.
On the other hand, Herentals are yet to find their feet in the campaign after falling 2-0 to giants CAPS United in their first game and picking a point in a goalless draw against Arenel on their second assignment.
Majarira feels that while in the past seasons, they have managed to frustrate Norman Mapeza's side, this could be a chance for them to change tactics and pick maximum points.
"We need to start winning games to boost our confidence going ahead so instead of the same old tricks that they are used to, we will be using a different approach this time," he said.
"Despite being home, we are approaching this game as the younger brothers and that should work to our advantage as we have often thrived on that in the past.
"FC Platinum are not an easy team, we need to play our cards correctly to make it past them so we simply need to bring our A-game and make it work."
Herentals will be playing against their former stars, winger Davison Marowa and forward Juan Mutudza, who are now with FC Platinum.
Now under coach Paul Benza, Herentals brought in former Triangle goalkeeper Reason White, ex Cranborne Bullets duo of Leon Daka and Admiral Matope while promoting Tinashe Mupumha, Tanaka Dhlakama, Tinashe Chimanikire, Webster Dombo and Ryan Kanavheti from their developmental side.
F.C Platinum also did some good business during the offseason, bringing in eight new players in a rigorous rebuilding exercise as they aim for the championship.
In replacing the senior players that left last season, FC Platinum added Brighton Manhire, Wilfred Muvirimi and Mbongeni Ndlovu from Highlanders, Chicken Inn's Shepherd Mhlanga, goalkeeper David Bizabani from Greenfuel and Bothwell Nzori from Black Mambas.
They also promoted two players Anesu Chirinda and Tapiwa Reves from their juniors.
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"The fact that we will be playing against our former mates should be an added advantage to us as we understand how they play. However, the big message is that we should not be complacent," said Majarira.
Matches between Herentals and FC Platinum have not been without drama. Last season FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza threatened to quit football in protest of what he claimed to be poor officiating in a match they lost 1-0 to Herentals in the season's opening round at the National Sports Stadium.
The match was marred in drama with Mapeza having to rush onto the pitch towards the end of the match, together with police details to calm his frustrated players who descended on referee Lawrence Zimondi over an incident that almost gave Herentals a second goal.
FC Platinum won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Mandava.
"Mapeza is a great coach and we should never underestimate his side, travelling is never a disadvantage to them so it is up to us to fight for maximum points without looking much into history," added Majarira.
