The Sunday Mail
Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
Chapungu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
TWO first half goals carried the day for FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Mandava yesterday.
Brian Muzondiwa and Allan Gahadzikwa got the goals as Norman Mapeza’s men put up a much better performance to the one that saw them playing out a goalless draw with the same opponents at Ascot last weekend.
The home side had the better start to the game and surged into the lead on 22 minutes into the game when Muzondiwa drove home.
FC Platinum won a free kick just outside the box and Raymond Sibanda unleashed a stinger which Chapungu goalie Roy Mazingi could only punch into the path of Muzondiwa.
Two minutes later, Marshall Mudehwe, who was a thorn in the visitors’ flesh, broke loose on the right and fed Gahadzikwa, who beat Mazingi with a fine effort.
FC Platinum came out firing in the second half too but their momentum was killed following the sending off of Ian Nekati for a dangerous lunge on Liberty Khimu in the 62nd minute.
Mapeza, in a bid to close shop, pulled out Mudehwe for Aaron Katebe.
Chapungu tried to claw back into the game but the hosts defended resolutely, much to the delight of their coach.
“This is an important result for us,” said Mapeza.
“We need to keep on collecting points and I am happy that we ended the first half of the season not very far from the leading pack.
“I am proud of the boys because they worked so hard after losing Nekati. We need to keep on working hard, stay positive and take each game as it comes.”
Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino believes his team is in need of some marksmen.
“I am worried about my strikers and since the (transfer) window has opened, I have to get one or two players to beef up the team.
“We fluffed so many chances today and you cannot expect to win a game when you fail to utilise the chances you create,” said Nyikadzino.
Teams
FC Platinum: P. Mhari, R. Sibanda, K. Moyo, G. Bello, Ian Nekati, W. Mhango, A. Gahadzikwa, S. Shoko, B. Muzondiwa, M. Mudehwe(A. Katebe 65th),T. Rukanda(S. Sibanda 77th)
Chapungu: R. Mazingi, W. Ngonya, L. Khimu, B.
Zabula, M. Muchangani, M. Dikinya (T. Mombeshora 34th), L. Benard (R. Mhlanga 46th),G. Phiri, H. Mugoniwa, T. Chitora, A. Tavarwisa
