FC Platinum…………….……… (1) 1 Ngezi Platinum……………… (0)
It took 13 days for FC Platinum captain Petros Mhari to finally get his hands on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League trophy after winning it, but the moment finally came as the now two-time champions received their silverware in style at Mandava yesterday.
BY TERRY MADYAUTA
Norman Mapeza’s men lived up to their billing with a 1-0 victory over their platinum rivals Ngezi Platinum, who for most of the season looked set to take the title race to the wire before fizzling out towards the end of the campaign.
Striker Gift Mbweti put the icing on the cake on the stroke of half-time when he nodded home a corner kick whipped in by an impressive Rahman Kutsanzira, prompting a carnival party in the stands.
The celebrations for FC Platinum’s second successive title began well before kick-off, both inside and outside their Mandava fortress.
A jubilant Mapeza hailed his charges for consistency throughout the season which he attributed as the major factor behind his team’s success.
“It has not been easy for us during this campaign, but we pulled it off. We worked hard to come this far. This achievement means a lot to us as a team. We have worked hard throughout this journey,” Mapeza said.
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“It brings great joy to see your team doing so well like this. I am proud of my team and the whole FC Platinum family. I am delighted to be achieving this as a coach and also raising these youngsters to greater heights. But above all, I want to thank the Almighty for leading us through this journey.”
The former Warriors star is already looking ahead and noted the need to maintain focus ahead of their participation in the CAF Champions League.
“Our overall performance has been good, although we need to improve going to our next challenge. We just need to remain focused and keep on working hard,” he said.
Though Ngezi Platinum looked determined to spoil FC Platinum’s party, goalkeeper and skipper Mhari was the stumbling block as he made top-notch saves in both halves.
Twice in the first stanza, Mhari did well to deny Madamburo a breakthrough when he made a brilliant reflex save to deny Liberty Chakoroma from inside the box before he tipped Donald Teguru’s header over the crossbar.
Mhari also denied Godknows Murwira from a freekick a few yards outside the box although Kenneth Bulaji should have done better on the rebound.
Ngezi Platinum gaffer Clifton Kadurira was gracious in defeat as he praised FC Platinum for their successful title defence
“They have been good and that has earned them this championship. We could have achieved something, but a few bumps along the way derailed us. We fancy getting something next season and we will work hard for that,” he said.
Teams:
FC Platinum: P Mhari, R Muduviwa G Bello, W Stima, E Moyo, W Mhango, D Chafa, F Madhanhanga (N Tigere 90), R Kutsanzira, A Eonde (A Eonde 90) G Mbweti (F Mupasiri 80)
Ngezi Platinum Stars: N Chadya, J Nguluve (S Nhivi 58), P Moyo, K Bulaji, W Mukanga, K Murera, F Mukarati, L Chakoroma, D Teguru (T Mabvura 61), M Charamba (X Moyo 72) G Murwira.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League results and fixtures
Yesterday: FC Platinum 1-0 Ngezi Platinum Stars, Herentals 0-0 Chicken Inn, Bulawayo City 4-1 CAPS United, Harare City 0-0 ZPC Kariba
Today: Bulawayo Chiefs v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Mutare City Rovers (Rufaro), Triangle United v Nichrut (Gibbo), Black Rhinos v Shabanie Mine (NSS), Chapungu v Yadah FC (Ascot).
