Zimpapers Logo

Norman Mapeza

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
Tsholotsho 0 -1 FC Platinum

FC Platinum made a bold statement in their quest to secure their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title after edging a stubborn Tsholotsho 1-0 at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

The Zvishavane side now have the title destiny in their hands after their victory shot them two points ahead of Dynamos at the top of the table.

Rodwell Chinyengetere made up for his poor first half performance by heading FC Platinum into the lead in the 54th minute after connecting from a Charles Sibanda cross from the left.

The Zvishavane side went into the game level on points with then leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars, who had a tricky encounter against Chicken Inn in Mhondoro. With Tsholotsho already relegated, the expectation was that the platinum miners would blow away Tsholotsho but they had to labour extra hard for the victory.

The first half was a dull affair that saw FC Platinum putting up a performance unworthy of a championship chasing side. Despite dominating possession, the Zvishavane side had a casual approach to the game and failed to create any clear cut chances.

FC Platinum started slowly getting into the game in the later stages of the first half. Eager to get that all important opener, FC Platinum made a tactical substitution, taking out midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku for striker Brian Muzondiwa, but the move failed to change anything in their attack.

Tsholotsho, who had nothing to lose in the game, were comfortable with sitting back and waiting to pounce on the counter. However, whenever they got the slightest scoring chances, they were let down by lethargic striker Thabani Moyo, who continuously lost the ball and derailed their attacks.

Midfielder Winston Mhango could have thrust the visitors into the lead in the 18th minute when a loose ball inside the box fell to his feet only for him to crush his effort into the Tsholotsho defence.

Kelvin Moyo wasted a glorious opportunity five minutes before the break when he failed to connect with his head a well taken cross by Gift Bello on the right. The teams went to the breather locked at nil all.

With results from other centres trickling in, FC Platinum emerged from the break a determined side and it was not long before Chinyengetere headed in what was to be the only goal of the game in the 54th minute.

The Zvishavane side continued to charge forward in search of a second goal but found the Tsholotsho defence resolute. Chinyengetere and Charles Sibanda were guilty of squandering some goal scoring opportunities that could have sealed the game as a contest much earlier.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was happy to grind out a result on the road.

“It was a very difficult game; we knew it was not going to be easy but we are happy that we managed to get the three points. At this stage it is not about playing well the most important thing is to get a victory in difficult situation such as this one. Now we have to shift focus to the next game,” said Mapeza.

His counterpart Darlington Dodo was impressed with the fight shown by his charges.

“We played well today. We managed to stop Platinum from playing their usual game and it was unfortunate we conceded that goal but we played well. These players proved that they deserve to play in the top flight league,” said Dodo.

FC Platinum will now face title rivals Ngezi in what could prove to be the title decider in Zvishavane this Saturday.

Team
FC Platinum: Wallace Magalane,Ian S Nekati, Gift Bello, Kevin,N Moyo, Elvis T Moyo, Whinston Mhango (Gerald Takwara 67 minutes), Rodwel Chinyengetere(Raphael Muduviwa 84 minutes), Nqobizitha Masuku (Brian Muzondiwa 38 minutes), Ali Sadiki, Charles Sibanda, Mkhokheli Dube,
Tsholotsho FC: Chang Marion, Trust Nyabinde (Lucky Vundla 80 minutes), Bruno Madanhie, Xolani Ndlovu, Nkosina Siwela, Marshal Phiri, Malon Mashonga (Edward Haluwa 67minutes), Shephard Mhlanga, Canaan Nkomo (Ayanda Ncube 67 minutes), Lucky Nyathi, Thabani Moyo