Former Young Warriors coach Jairos Tapera has tipped FC Platinum to win the Premier Soccer League title after the Zvishavane based side opened a four point lead at the weekend.

FC Platinum beat Bulawayo City 1-0 on Saturday to go four points clear at the top ahead of second placed Caps United who beat Highlanders.

Tapera who brought FC Platinum into the premiership after winning the Central Region Division 1 League title in 2010 before he was elevated to the role of director of coaching in 2011,  believes the Pure Platinum Play are the most balanced team in the league with depth to last the league marathon.

The former Zimbabwe Under-20 coach who is now in charge of South African National First Division side Black Leopards said he is confident of the pedigree of the Platinum Miners.

“I can safely tip FC Platinum to win the league this season not only because they are at the top but because of the qualities they have. If you look at the composition of the team, the players have been together for a long time even before they were together at FC Platinum,” said Tapera.

“If you look at Raphael Muduviwa, Elvis and Kevin Moyo, Nqobizitha Masuku, Marshal Mudhwe, Walter Musona, Brian Muzondiwa, Nigel Papias, Jerold Takwara and Ian Nekati, played together at Under 20 before some of them came to FC Platinum. So this understanding makes combinations easier.

“Also their coach Norman Mapeza is shrewd (a) tactician; he can read the game well. After all they have they are well resourced and are among the best paying in the league, which motivates the players.”

FC Platinum are in the hunt for a maiden league title since their promotion into the premiership in 2011 and are tussling for the championship with CAPS United, Highlanders and Dynamos. The Zvishavane based side lost out on the title to dynamos in 2011 on goal difference after ending the season tied on the same points with the Harare giants.