HARARE – The battle for honours in the PSL resumes on Wednesday with table toppers FC Platinum making a trip to the capital where they hope to overcome army side Black Rhinos and pull further from the chasing pack.

Having experienced the joy of playing in the prestigious African Champions league following their participation in the last campaign, FC Platinum are not prepared to leave anything to chance.

With nine matches left before the end of the campaign, Norman Mapeza and his men are well aware any stumble at this stage of the campaign could plunge their championship bid into an irretrievable nose dive.

Their 6-0 demolition of Mutare City in their previous match was a big statement by a team that is determined to successfully defend their championship.

FC Platinum lead the standings with 58 points, four more than their nearest rivals Ngezi Platinum while third placed Chicken Inn also have a realistic chance in the race with 47 points.

Triangle, Caps United and Highlanders also have mathematical chances thus FC Platinum have to maintain form to increase the gap between them and the title chasing pack.

In the reverse fixture at Mandava, FC Platinum laboured to a 1-0 victory over the army side and a victory will ensure they complete a double over them.

Rhinos have been struggling in their last five matches but the 1-1 draw away to Bulawayo Chiefs suggests a team that can cause problems on any day.

Closest challengers Ngezi Platinum too have a tough assignment against ZPC Kariba at the Baobab and Tonderai Ndiraya will be looking to keep pressure on the league leaders with a victory at their home turf.

ZPC Kariba, however, have been impressive in their last five matches after losing just once against Dynamos signalling that they are not pushovers although they will be travelling to the Baobab.

The last time the two teams met at Nyamhunga, it ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

At Luveve Stadium, Chicken Inn’s title credentials will be put to the test as they face off Harare giants Caps United. Both teams still have interest in the championship and sparks are certain to fly as they face off again.

The last time Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas came to Harare, his side prevailed 1-0 over the Green Machine and if he manages to complete a double,  it will be a convincing case of the Game Cocks’ title credentials.

Bulawayo giants Highlanders, who were active over the weekend as they played against Dynamos in a rescheduled match at Barbourfields, travel to Vengere Stadium to face Mutare City.

Bosso go into the match with their confidence skyward after thrashing bitter rivals Dynamos 3-0 on Sunday to take their points tally to 39, the same as Caps United.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Fixtures

Wednesday

Ngezi Platinum Stars FC v ZPC Kariba FC (Baobab Stadium); Chicken Inn FC v Caps United (Luveve Stadium); Nichrut FC v Bulawayo City FC (Ascot Stadium); Black Rhinos FC Vs FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium); Shabanie Mine FC v Yadah FC (Maglas Stadium); Herentals FC v Bulawayo Chiefs FC (Rufaro Stadium); Mutare City Rovers FC v Highlanders FC (Vengere Stadium); Triangle United FC v Harare City FC (Gibbo Stadium)

Thursday

Dynamos v Chapungu (Rufaro)