The Sunday News
Makomborero Mutimukulu in Zvishavane
Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 0
Chapungu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1
MAYBE it’s something to do with the need to live up to the nickname Pure Platinum Play or they are just football romantics but FC Platinum tend to overplay.
Norman Mapeza’s team are easy on the eye, pass the ball well and their fullbacks Raphael Muduviwa and Elvis Moyo are modern day defenders. Their midfield is solid with Winston Mhango and Gerald Takwara giving Rodwell Chinyengetere the freedom to float just behind the lone striker.
However, in this game goals are the currency and for all their possession FC Platinum don’t bang them in.
Gift Mbweti was supposed to provide the goals but he hasn’t set the stage alight, Takesure Chinyama was a shock signing but his failure to fire in the goals is not shocking at all.
Chinyama is 34 and plays at social league pace while Mkhokheli Dube has some pace but is yet to score since moving from Bulawayo City.
Yesterday FC Platinum bossed this Chibuku Super Cup first round clash against Chapungu at Mandava but ultimately paid the price for failing to convert the several chances that came their way.
As usual Pure Platinum Play were explosive in the first half.
Twice Chinyengetere fluffed his lines from good positions before Chapungu goalie Roy Mazingi denied Charles Sibanda at the near post.
Chapungu were relieved to go for the breather still at par.
The home side had a glorious chance to surge into the lead on 55 minutes but Winston Mhango blazed over from the penalty spot after Chinyengetere was pulled down inside the box.
Mhango rarely misses from six yards out and his wild effort had the home side’s fans fearing for the worst.
At the other end when Nkosana Nduna pointed to the spot after Kelvin Moyo had handled inside the box Brighton Mugoni made no mistake.
“I am disappointed,” said Mapeza in confirming what was written all over his face.
For Chapungu coach Tendai Chikuni this one was as good as the Italian Job.
“We knew that pound for pound we could not compete with FC Platinum so we had to come up with ways of neutralising them,” said the former Pure Platinum Play coach.
“Raphael Mudiviwa and Elvis Moyo give FC Platinum width so we had to make sure that they don’t get to play.
“I might have won this one over Norman but he is my inspiration. I only worked with him for a year but learnt a lot from him and up to this day I am still learning.’’
While Chinyama was a disappointment Chapungu’s senior citizen Phillip Marufu was unplayable before running out of steam late on.
“He is an inspiration and what we are doing is manage him. Phillip doesn’t train everyday because we need to keep him fresh for such games,” said Chikuni.
