FC Platinum say they are feeling the pressure on being at the top - albeit a positive one.

Speaking after a lifeless top of the table clash against CAPS United on Saturday which ended in a goalless stalemate, FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza said being at the top comes with pressure but his team is managing it.

“Naturally being at the top comes with pressure but it’s motivating us to do even better because as we look at it it’s not about being at the top but wanting to continue playing well.

“Like I said before, we are not fighting to be at the top but to win every game as it comes, it’s too early to talk about the championship so we don’t want to lose focus by looking at where we are at the log.  ” said Mapeza.

FC Platinum leads the pack with 38 points, two ahead of second placed Caps United. With traditional campaigners Highlanders and Dynamos stuttering, pundits are beginning to tip the Zvishavane based side to win the league title judging by their momentum and financial muscle to motivate players.

Former national Under 20 coach Jairos Tapera who coached the bulk of the Platinum players at national youth level tipped the Pure Platinum Play to lift the title as the players have been together for a longtime.

“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.”

FC Platinum who are bidding to become the first team after independence to win the league title outside of Bulawayo and Harare, strengthened their squad during the transfer window bringing in veteran Charles Sibanda, Makai Kawashu and William Sitima.