The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
ONLY one win in 2022, six points out of a possible 18 and just two goals in 540 minutes of action is not the kind of record one would expect from FC Platinum.
But that is the reality of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title defence so far.
The statistics could get grimmer by close of business today as the Zvishavane miners are not likely to have it an easier against rampant Manica Diamonds at Sakubva Stadium.
Manica Diamonds might have failed to beat FC Platinum in the two league games they played in 2019, but Johanisi Nhumwa’s side have every reason to fancy their chances this time around, given the manner in which they have handled PSL business thus far.
The “Gem Boys” have one loss in eight matches, they are second on the log with 17 points and are the league’s top scorers with 18 goals.
It’s a different story for FC Platinum who have found the net twice in their last six games and are smarting from a 0-1 loss against Ngezi in a Platinum Derby at Mandava Stadium at the weekend.
That result came on the back of a goalless draw against Black Rhinos at Sakubva.
FC Platinum’s only win in their last six outings was a 1-0 victory against Harare City three weeks ago.
Before that, they had lost 2-0 against Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium, before playing a 1-1 draw at ZPC Kariba.
The club have endured their worst start to a season since 2015.
However, their coach Norman Mapeza, who is overseeing a transition at the club, remains steadfast and unfazed.
A gradual evolution is seemingly underway at the three-time league champions.
After winning three consecutive titles and yet failing to make a mark in the CAF Champions League, FC Platinum decided to embark on a renewal exercise.
That exercise has seen more youthful players being eased into the team at the expense of veterans.
The transition resulted in the departure of at least eight regulars, including Kelvin Madzongwe, Rahman Kutsanzira, Rodwell Chinyengetere, Ralph Kawondera, Silas Songani, Stanley Ngala, Donald Dzvinyai and Denzel Khumalo.
Teenage forwards Panashe Mutimbanyoka and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya as well as promising left-back Kelvin Mangiza are some of the youths now leading the FC Platinum campaign.
They are getting guidance from a few remaining veterans like goalkeeper Petros Mhari, Gift Bello, Gift Mbweti and Lawrence Mhlanga.
Warriors gaffer Mapeza believes this transformation will soon bear fruits and he insists “there is no need to panic’’.
“So far so good; I can’t complain. These youngsters have been doing well, it’s just a matter of time. They need experience and for them to gain that experience they have to be involved in playing those games,” he said. “Since the league resumed, we have won one game. But it’s not something that I am really worried about.
“Usually when a transition like this happens, it disrupts a lot of things, especially the rhythm.”
Mapeza has won three league championships with FC Platinum and two Chibuku Super Cup titles.
He now feels more excited about introducing young players, whom he believes are “the future of Zimbabwe football”.
The former Zimbabwe skipper has promised to throw in more unheralded names as the season progresses.
“We have won the league in the past three seasons and what excites me most now is seeing some new players coming into the squad, and also showing signs of improvement; that’s what is exciting me at the moment.
“But, we are okay, there is no need for us to press any panic button. The guys have been doing well. It’s just a matter of time, we are not under any pressure.
“Sunday we play a good side, Manica Diamonds. They have got quality in their squad and Nhumwa has really done well with that team …
“We have been doing well of late, we have been creating chances. My biggest worry is the conversion rate because we have been creating opportunities.
“It’s something we are working to improve. But I am more than happy with everything.”
Although Mapeza contends that it’s still too early to talk about potential league champions, he paid tribute to Joey Antipas and his Chicken Inn outfit.
“Chicken Inn have kept the majority of their players, they just brought in some few guys who have really added a lot of depth in their squad. I think that’s why they are where they are at the moment.
“They didn’t have any disruptions to their squad.”
The Gamecocks went into yesterday’s match against Ngezi topping the log with 19 points.
“This year will be a little bit more competitive, if you look at what some of the other teams did. If you look at Dynamos, they brought in so many players; if you look at Manica Diamonds, they did the same; Ngezi also; Bulawayo Chiefs also.”
Mapeza reckons it’s still early in the season.
In the match against Manica Diamonds, his team will be missing midfielder Innocent Mucheneka and William Stima.
