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Midlands Correspondent
ARGUABLY the biggest crowd to have ever witnessed a Zifa Central Soccer League match since its formation in 2010 packed Mandava Stadium on Sunday as FC Platinum Under-19 walked away with the bragging rights after beating town rivals Shabanie Mine 2-1.

About 5,000 fans paid to watch one of the fiercest rivalries on the domestic football scene.

Emmanuel “Gedhe” Mauna drew first blood for the young platinum miners before Erea Phiri restored parity for Shabanie Mine from the penalty spot.

A long range effort by Tinashe Chikanda ensured that FC Platinum Under-19 collected maximum points leaving Shabanie Mine fans disappointed.

FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo was over the moon following the victory saying their aim is to ensure a top eight finish.

“We weren’t happy with our position on the log coming into this match but I believe the win will give us the impetus going forward. Our aim is to finish in the top eight every season,” she said.

The young platinum miners now lie seventh on the table with 18 points from 12 matches; just two points behind Shabanie Mine, who are sixth with 20 points from the same number of games.

The Chinda Boys assistant gaffer Arnold Jani, whose side is still to register an away win this season, described the loss as a setback and said he was now looking ahead.

Meanwhile, Tongogara powered to the summit of the league table hammering Sable Chemicals 3-0 in a Kwekwe derby.

The army side is locked on 27 points with ZPC Munyati. ZPC Munyati edged Blanket Mine 2-1, but Tongogara top the table with a superior goal difference.

Results

Wednesday: ZRP Beitbridge 5-1 MSU

Weekend: ZETDC Southern Region 1-0 ZRP Beitbridge, Chrome Stars 0-3 MSU, FC Platinum U19 2-1 Shabanie Mine, Blanket Mine 1-2 ZPC Munyati, Vumbachikwe 1-1 Gweru United, Border Strikers 3-0 Mvuma Stars, Tongogara 3-0 Sable Chemicals, Ivan Hoe 2-2 Silo United