The Sunday Mail
Paul Mundandi
FC Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
Harare City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
FC PLATINUM’S perfect start to the 2016 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season was halted by a plucky Harare City at Mandava yesterday.
Pure Platinum Play had won their opening four matches but could not find a way to unlock a Sunshine Boys outfit desperate to end a poor away run.
Despite watching his men drop points for the first time this season, FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza said he was content with the outcome – seeing the draw as a point gained rather than two dropped.
“It was a good game of football, I am happy with the point. I knew that one day we were going to draw. We can even lose three games and that is football,” said Mapeza.
“I am proud that Harare City came here to play football and also that the fans enjoyed watching top flight football this afternoon. This exciting football is what we expect to see in our league.”
The hosts could have taken the lead as early as the 12th minute when Walter Musona deceived Themba Ndhlovu and sent a delightful cross to an unmarked Hilary Bakacheza.
However, the former Triangle man failed to control the ball and allowed City goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube to stifle the danger.
The two sides took turns to fluff chances with City midfielder Farai Madhananga seeing his shot blocked by defender Kelvin Moyo with FC Platinum goalie Petros Mhari a beaten man.
Taurai Mangwiro, whose side were yet to pick a point away, was also happy.
City lost away to Caps United and Triangle and Mangwiro last week told journalists his men should start picking points on the road if they were to make an impression this season.
“I am happy that for the first time this season we managed collect a point away from home,” he said. “It could have been better but we failed to bury the chances that came our way but the bottom line is I am very impressed with the way we performed against a very good FC Platinum side.”
Teams
FC Platinum: P Mhari, I Nekati, G Bello, K Moyo, E Moyo, W Mhango, R Chinyengetere, T Dzumbunu (G Takwara, 61’ ), W Musona (T Rukanda, 87’), H Bakacheza (M Mudehwe, 55’ ), O Chirwa
Harare City: T Dube, J Tigere, A Chiveya, T Ndlovu, B Moyo, T Samanja, F Madhanhanga, W Manondo (B Maglasi, 84’), R Manuvire, G Kufandada (F Zekumbawire, 67’ ), H Chimutimunzeve (K Kumwala, 61’)
