The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter —
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)3
Bantu Rovers . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)2
RETURNEES Bantu Rovers were involved in a high scoring Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match for the second weekend in a row but unlike last Saturday they left the park with their heads held high.
It was indeed a thriller at Maglas, FC Platinum’s adopted home.
In their opening game Bantu Rovers were thumped 5-0 by Chicken Inn and they found themselves on the losing end again yesterday as the home side powered to the second win on the bounce following the opening day 1-0 win away to Dynamos.
However, Methembe Ndlovu’s youthful side really caught the eye, giving as much as they got against a side that is touted by some as one of the championship favourites.
FC Platinum were the quickest to settle and opened the scoring with the just five minutes on the clock, Charles Sibanda opening the scoring after some good build up play.
Rodwell Chinyengetere made it 2-0 on 16 minutes before completing his brace from the penalty midway through the second half.
Newman Sianchali and Bukhosi Sibanda, from the penalty spot, were on target for the visitors who took the game to their more fancied opponents in the second half.
Talent Chawapihwa, who was publicly criticised by Norman Mapeza for a shoddy show against DeMbare, replaced Marshal Mudehwe early in the second half but the Pure Platinum Play newboy never got the chance to make an impression.
With Bantu Rovers coming out with guns blazing Chawapihwa was forced to put in a defensive shift as his team sought to play on the counter.
Mapeza conceded that the visitors gave his team a good run for their money and once reiterated his call for unity.
“I was not very happy with our defending; we need to work on that. We also need to work hard on our final execution.
“I read somewhere I was given ultimatum to win the league but that is not true, someone just wants me fired and I don’t know why,” he said.
Ndlovu lauded his charges for a much improved show.
“I am very happy with our performance; it shows that we are improving. I also want to congratulate FC Platinum, they have a very good side,” he said.
Teams
FC Platinum: P Mhari, E Moyo, K Moyo, G Bello, I Nekati, W Mhango, N Masuku, R Chinyengetere (G Takwara 77 mins), M Mudehwe (T Chawapihwa 55 mins), C Sibanda (A Murimba 86 mins), G Mbweti
Bantu Rovers: S. Chimusoro, J. Nsingo, J. Mubayiwa, S. Nyahwa, T. Kumbuyani, M. Chitambwe, N. Garayi, G. Bharibahri, L. Ndlela, B. Sibanda, N. Sianchali
