FC Platinum rule Zvishavane

FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . .(0) 2
Shabanie Mine . . . . . . . . (1) 1
FC PLATINUM maintained their dominance in the Zvishavane derby as they dispatched bitter rivals Shabanie Mine, albeit in controversial circumstances, in a tense encounter at Mandava yesterday.

Zambian defender Aaron Katebe was the hero of this seventh Zvishavane derby as he scored the winner late in the second half.

Katebe made the difference 14 minutes from time when he prodded home a fine corner from Raymond Sibanda to break the hearts of thousands of Shabanie Mine fans.

The visitors had a goal disallowed in an eventful match that left the asbestos miners’ coach John Phiri livid at Kwekwe referee Munyaradzi Majoni.

It was Shabanie Mine who stabbed first through Xolani Ncube in the 35th minute, the striker nodding home an inch-perfect cross from Allan Tavarwisa.

On-fire FC Platinum left back Qadr Amini restored parity 11 minutes after the breather when he rifled from close range.

Shabanie Mine had a goal disallowed in the 38th minute when linkman Marvelous Chitinya’s strike was ruled offside by referee Majoni.

Phiri blamed “poor officiating” for his team’s loss.
“That disallowed goal was the turning point. That was a very clear goal and everyone is surprised how the referee blew for offside.”

FC Platinum assistant coach Ralph Kawondera praised his charges whom he said stuck to their normal passing game even when they were a goal down.

“The boys remained compact even at 0-1 down. At the end of the day our passing game carried us through and everyone at FC Platinum is delighted,” he said.

FC Platinum moved into the top eight on the log standings with 21 points while Shabanie Mine are 10th and two points behind their rivals.

They have now won four of the seven derbies since 2011, when the Moneybags were promoted into the top flight while Shabanie have only beaten their neighbours once.

Two derbies have ended in draws.