AFTER shining on their debut continental assignments at the weekend, FC Platinum and Hwange clash on the neutral football field of Rufaro tomorrow hoping to land the first trophy of the 2011 domestic season.

The two rising clubs will battle in the final of the Bob ’88 Super Cup and such is the impact, which they have made, heavyweights Dynamos and Motor Action will have to play in a sideshow in a third-place play-off at the same stadium tomorrow.

The tournament, which is now in its second year, uses football to celebrate the birthday of President  Robert Mugabe and, from an initial field of two teams last year, the organisers pushed the number of participating clubs to four this season.

Hwange and FC Platinum defied bookmakers to storm into the final courtesy of some impressive performances that saw them oust Dynamos and Motor Action.

The two clubs from outside the capital were full value for their 2-1 victories after investing a lot into their pre-season preparations with FC Platinum spending a week in Kariba while Hwange toured South Africa.

In sharp contrast, DeMbare were reeling from boardroom problems that initially cost coach Callisto Pasuwa his job, after a fallout with the club’s management, and when the rift was mended, financial challenges ensured that most of their pre-season plans were shelved.

FC Platinum showed that they mean business and their impressive 4-2 win over Green Mamba, in their maiden Champions League tie in Swaziland, caught the eye.

Hwange, who have also boosted their squad and have one of the best coaches in the country, were also impressive as they won 3-0 away from home on the Confederation Cup.

Now, the two rising mining sides clash tomorrow with so much at stake in a game that looks too tight to call with FC Platinum starting as slight favourites.

FC Platinum secretary, Phil Muvengwa, yesterday said the Premiership newboys, who will be playing in their first final since gaining promotion last year, are ready for the showcase and want to win their first silverware.

“We have no injuries worries and the guys have been preparing very well for this game. Everyone is focused and I think this final has come at the right time.

“We should do well and win the trophy and set the tone for the season,” said Muvengwa.

The platinum miners, however, will have to do without their coach Rahman Gumbo and forwards Charles Sibanda and the lively Donald Ngoma who are in camp with the national team.

Muvengwa said the trio’s absence should not be an issue as they have a competitive side that is ready to compete for the honours this season.

Assistant coach Tendai Chikuni is expected to take charge in Gumbo’s absence.

Ngoma scored a double in the win over Green Mamba with the other goals coming from last year’s Soccer Star of the Year runner-up, Allan Gahadzikwa, and new recruit Ali Sadiki.

FC Platinum have a strong squad to choose their team from and last week they had the luxury of leaving behind speedy winger Benjamin Marere and experienced defender Norman Togara who might come bounce back tomorrow.

“We are very happy because the Bob 88 Super Cup is our first cup final since gaining promotion into the Premiership. We are taking the match seriously.

“The important thing to us is joining the entire nation in celebrating His Excellency’s birthday. We are building up for a new season and besides we are playing our return leg in the Champions League next week. It’s an opportunity to fine-tune the team.

“We respect Hwange as they are a very good side. They have done a lot as they finished on a very good position on the log last season proving to the nation that they are a formidable side.

“The Zanzibar result speaks volumes about the coalminers’ potential but the Bob 88 Super Cup should find its way to Zvishavane on Sunday,” said Muvengwa.

Hwange coach Tennant Chilumba, whose side has also been enjoying good form, also maintained that his charges were ready for the challenge.

Chilumba said Hwange will throw everything into the game to try and win tomorrow’s final.

The coalminers eliminated holders Dynamos in the semi-final and will be hoping that double scorer Francisco Zvekumbawire will carry his form to the final.

“We are ready for it. The only worry is Evans (Rusike) who is injured and will be out for three weeks. Otherwise the guys are geared up and we hope to do well.

“This is a final and let the better side on the day win,” said Chilumba.

Hwange are in high spirits following the 3-0 demolition of Zanzibar side Jamhuri in the first leg of their preliminary round qualifier last week.

Their inspirational captain, Rodwell Chinyengetere, who scored the opening goal, is expected to play a crucial role tomorrow in the side which has a mixture of youth and experience.

But Dynamos and Motor Action will warm the stage in a midday kickoff. DeMbare have suffered a spate of injuries in the last few weeks with about 10 players confirmed to be unavailable for this game.

Some of the key players like Murape Murape, Guthrie Zhokinyi, Gift Bello and Martin Vengesai have been ruled out and coach Callisto Pasuwa will have to dig deep into his reserves.

Gate charges have been pegged at US$2 for the rest of the ground.