The Sunday Mail
Saul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
Caps United . . . . . . . . . . . .(1) 1
CAPS UNITED once again spoiled the party for a potential champion when they held title aspirants FC Platinum to a draw at Mandava yesterday.
The platinum miners are now on 54 points, four behind new league champions Chicken Inn.
Resurgent Makepekepe striker Dominic Chungwa put Makepekepe, who finished the match a man down after Stephen Makatuka was red carded in the second half, in front after seven minutes.
However, a Brian Muzondiwa penalty leveled matters in the 12th minute.
FC Platinum needed maximum points to maintain pressure on Chicken Inn but the Bulawayo side beat Harare City 3-1 to end the hopes of the Zvishavane community. Pure Platinum Play coach Norman Mapeza congratulated Chicken Inn after the final whistle.
“Congratulations to them (Chicken Inn) for winning the league title. It was not going to be fair for Antipas to falter at this stage after a spirited campaign. We are actually close buddies.
“It was a fantastic achievement from my boys and I am very proud of them. They worked so hard this season and we want to go and get a positive result against Dongo next week.
“I can’t complain, we lost six key players midseason and I said we leave everything in God’s hands and we never spoke about the championship. That was coming from other people and not me as the coach or platinum family,” said Mapeza.
Chungwa continued with his goal scoring instincts when he slotted home after FC Platinum keeper Francis Tizayi had failed to handle a cross from the right by Zvikomborero Bizeki.
Obrey Chirwa, who was a menace for the United defence the whole afternoon, was hacked down in the box by Carlton Mudzambwa and Bulawayo based referee Philani Ncube pointed to the spot.
Muzondiwa converted, sending Jorum Muchambo the wrong way.
Caps coach Lloyd Chitembwe said Makatuka’s expulsion changed the complexion of the game.
“It was not by choice to kick FC Platinum out of the race. We are professionals and we needed the points just like them.
“Our pressing was bad today but after the expulsion of Stephen Makatuka, they changed their approach,” said Chitembwe.
Meanwhile, ZPC Kariba ensured their place in the top flight league after they fought from behind to force a draw against Hwange at Nyamhunga yesterday.
Penalty kick specialist Raphael Manuvire and the ageless Thomas Sweswe scored in the second half to snatch a draw that lifted ZPC Kariba to 35 points and safety.
Hwange went to half time leading 2-0 courtesy of goals by Rodwell Chinyengetere and Innocent Mucheneka.
Chidzambwa paid tribute to his boys for a spirited comeback.
“We are now safe from relegation and we will go and play Highlanders in the last fixture without any pressure,” said a relieved Chidzambwa.
Hwange coach Nation Dube blamed his team’s crumble to poor match officiating.
“We could have won this match had the referee not spoiled our party. A top eight finish is something possible,” said Dube.
Teams
FC Platinum: F. Tizayi, I. Nekati, R. Muduviwa, K. Moyo, E. Moyo, W. Mhango, G. Takwara, T. Dzumbunu (A. Gahadzikwa 81), M. Mudehwe, B. Muzondiwa (N. Papias 86), O. Chirwa
Caps United: J. Muchambo, B. Zvikomborero, J. Jangano (V. Musarurwa 61), C. Mudzambwa, S. Makatuka, D. Mukandi, M. Muchenje, H. Zvirekwi, P. Bamusi, J. Ngodzo (K. Nyamupfukudza 91), D. Chungwa.
