The Sunday Mail
From Mukudzei Chingwere in Zvishavane
FC Platinum…………………..0
CAPS United…………………..0
Following a harsh transfer window which saw them losing five key players, champions FC Platinum still appear to be intact after their mid-season arrivals proved to be worthy additions in a game against CAPS United although both sides finishing deadlocked at Mandava yesterday.
Both sides came in to this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie on the back of defeats but had crucially presented their title credentials with blistering starts to the season.
Despite the game failing to provide goals, both teams did not disappoint with Joel Ngodzo, the emblem of the Harare giants’ oiled machine, continuing to shine.
CAPS United have been playing purposeful football under Lloyd Chitembwe.
Yesterday’s stalemate means the platinum miners are still on top of the standings with 32 points after the first half of the season while CAPS United have 28 points from 17 games.
More crucial for FC Platimum was that the CAPS United test provided them with a platform to fine tune preparations for their return to their CAF Champions League duties.
Norman Mapeza’s men will this week travel to Malawi to begin their Champins League adventure with a cagey assignment against Nyasa Big Bullets who are under the tutelage of former Zimbabwe and Dynamos gaffer Kalisto Pasuwa.
The fact that FC Platinum lost some key regulars ahead of yesterday’s game was not evident as new players Congolese Guyve Nsiala and teenager Keith Madera were unplayable on either sides of the wings.
Madera gave Justice Jangano a torrid time on the left side of the FC Platinum attack but his crosses on numerous occasions could not be put to full use by the central players.
Although he did not preside over the match, Mapeza would have been happy with the manner in which Hagiazo Magaya, Tawana Chikore and the returning Rodwell Chinyengetere proved to be worthy additions. Chikore, who joined from TelOne, had a well-taken free-kick saved by an alert Prosper Chigumba.
Mapeza’s assistant Lizwe Sweswe stood in for him after he had requested to be excused from yesterday’s game to seek medical attention.
Sweswe believes the new arrivals have improved their team.
“They are not new to football but are only new to this team and the way we want football to be played.
“They are very good players and I think they have improved our team. However, it is still too early to make such conclusions,” said Sweswe.
“CAPS United is a very good team and playing the way we did against them showed that we can compete against the very best.
“We have two players who are with the national team. I think we have a good squad, but above all I think we are ready for the Champions League, though it will not be easy,” said Sweswe.
Despite not getting full points, Chitembwe was happy with his men’s response following a disappointing loss to Ngezi Platinum last week.
“In terms of application, the boys did very well and I think it is a positive response following what we did last week.
“This game only lacked goals but most of its aspects went on well. Tactically and technically, we were spot on.
“Just like us, FC Platinum play a passing game. They did their homework very well.
“As a coach, l think getting such a response after a disappointing result is enough reason to be satisfied,’’ said Chitembwe.
Teams
FC Platinum: F Tizayi, R Muduviwa, G Bello, W Stima, T Chikore, D Chafa, R Pavari, R Chinyengetere, K Madera (R Kutsanzira 68th min), G Nsiala (G Mbweti 55th min), L Nhamo (H Magaya 69th )
CAPS United: P Chigumba, J Jangano, V Musarurwa, M Mwanjale, S Masunda, J Ngodzo, B Sarupinda, C Rupiya, H Zvirekwi (N Sianchali 88th), R Chitiyo (J Zhuwawo 71st min), D Chungwa
