The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza equates the life of a football coach to that of a fisherman who keeps on casting his net despite previous disappointments.
Mapeza is in charge of a side that has been consistently challenging for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title since promotion into the top flight in 2011.
And Raphael Muduviwa is his fisherman’s net.
The 24-year-old Muduviwa has been at FC Platinum since the side’s promotion and has narrowly missed out on the championship on four occasions – 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
But the net will keep being cast back into the water in the hope of a big catch.
“Disappointments are part of the game and I believe I became a better player because of all those heartbreaking moments we suffered in the past.
“Missing out on the title by just two points or goal difference hurts a lot, but it also acts as motivating factor. It gives you a burning desire to come back next season and give it another go,” says Muduviwa.
Last season FC Platinum finished two points behind champions Caps United.
With the current campaign heading towards the wire, the Zvishavane side are top of the log and the surest way of landing a maiden title is winning all their five remaining matches. Which is easier said than done.
Muduviwa, known as Fiji in Zvishavane, knows heading the log at this juncture is psychologically critical.
“We took over top spot after beating Shabanie Mine in midweek and, as you know, the Zvishavane derby is never easy but we showed character and won 2-0.
“As a team we have worked so hard to be in this position and are ready to do whatever is possible to guard the spot jealously. We are now going for the kill,” he says.
Muduviwa believes Mapeza, who took charge of his 100th game on the FC Platinum bench, delivered a masterstroke when he signed the experienced pair of Takesure Chinyama and Mkhokheli Dube.
“The experience that these guys bring to the team is priceless. Being at the top or chasing the title comes with a lot of pressure but having guys who have been there before brings a calming effect to the team.
“The coach is experienced, he won the title with Monomotapa and knows what is needed at this stage of the season. All we have to do is play to his instructions,” he says.
FC Platinum have a tricky run-in.
They host ZPC Kariba and fellow title aspirants Ngezi Platinum Stars at Mandava, and visit the relegation-threatened trio of Harare City, Tsholotsho and Chapungu.
“Every match from now on is a cup final and each opponent must be accorded the respect they deserve. The relegation-threatened teams have suddenly found their footing and have shown that they can frustrate any team in the league. However, we know that destiny is in our hands and will give it our very best in every game,” says Muduviwa.
