Premier League action sees four draws . . . including FC Platinum’s missed opportunity

Zimpapers Sports Hub

DRAWS were the order of the day yesterday in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, with all four matches played ending in a stalemate, while former champions FC Platinum blew a golden chance to go top of the log.

The platinum miners let go of a two-goal lead in the second half to settle for a 2-2 draw against newcomers Bikita Minerals at Mandava Stadium.

In a lifeless start to Week Seven fixtures, the other three matches ended in goalless draws as Yadah hosted Chegutu Pirates at Heart Stadium, Green Fuel entertained Herentals at the Green Fuel Arena and ZPC Kariba took on Arenel Movers at Nyamhunga Stadium.

On a weekend where all four newcomers are on the road, three were in action yesterday and Bikita Minerals came out the best with the stunning result at Mandava Stadium.

With leaders Highlanders only playing this afternoon, FC Platinum needed to win by four goals to occupy pole position for at least 24 hours.

They looked on course after two quick second-half goals by Juan Adrian Mutudza (51st minute) and Davison Marowa (57th minute) gave the platinum miners a 2-0 lead.

Bikita Minerals dug deep and snatched a point through goals from Liberty Masveure (69th minute) and Chris Makambira (83rd minute).

It adds on to the impressive results by Saul Chaminuka’s men, who beat CAPS United 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium and silenced Bulawayo Chiefs 2-0 last weekend.

At Heart Stadium, Yadah failed to collect maximum points at their impressive home ground for the second successive game.

The stadium was opened for Premiership action a fortnight ago as they lost 2-1 to Simba Bhora and yesterday, they fired blanks despite the presence of former South African Premiership attackers Evans Rusike and Khama Billiat.

Billiat was a second-half substitute after recovering from an injury, which kept him out of the 3-2 win against TelOne at Bata Stadium last weekend.

It means Yadah are yet to win a game with Billiat in the line-up as the six matches he has featured in have yielded three draws and three defeats.

Results

Yesterday

FC Platinum 2-2 Bikita Minerals

ZPC Kariba 0-0 Arenel Movers

Green Fuel 0-0 Herentals

Yadah 0-0 Chegutu Pirates

 

Fixtures

Today

Bulawayo Chiefs v Simba Bhora (Luveve)

Dynamos v TelOne (Rufaro)

Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields)

Hwange v Ngezi Platinum (Colliery)

Manica Diamonds v CAPS Utd (Sakubva)