The Sunday News
Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum …………………………………..… (0) 2
Shabanie Mine ………………………………..… (1) 1
FC Platinum won the 9th edition of the Zvishavane derby when they dismissed Shabanie Mine in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match that had all the ingredients of a thriller at Mandava Stadium, but was marred by controversial officiating from Kwekwe-based Munyaradzi Majoni.
The referee failed to control the derby and the biggest error he did was disallowing an effort from enterprising midfielder Marvellous Dikinya and the needless yellow cards he flashed to Shabanie Mine players.
The match attracted a full house including Pitso Mosimane, the coach of South African Premiership side, Mamelodi Sundowns and some local chiefs who enjoyed the derby from the VIP tribune.
“They disallowed a genuine goal. I feel hard done by the referee and the disallowed goal was the turning point. My players also failed to defend the set pieces. It is not the end of the world as we will fight another day,” said a disappointed John Phiri, the Shabanie Mine coach.
Qadr Amin equalised for the hosts in the 56th minute. A corner kick from the right by Raymond Sibanda was poorly cleared by the Shabanie defence and Amin who was just outside the Shabanie area released a shot that found its mark at the right bottom of the nets.
Sibanda then sent another corner in the 76th minute which Aaron Katebe sliced past goalkeeper Victor Twaliki to silence the Shabanie Mine fans.
The visitors had gone into the lead through Xolani Ncube in the 35th minute. A cross from Allen Tavarwisa was met with a firm header by the dreadlocked player past goalkeeper Petros Mhari.
FC Platinum stand-in coach Ralph Kawondera was on cloud nine following the victory.
“My boys did very well and I give them the credit and the fans. We need to remain focused. The victory relieves pressure on the technical team. We practised set pieces during the week and it paid well this afternoon,” he said
The two sides continue their rivalry next Sunday in the return match at Maglas.
n Meanwhile, in another league game played at Rufaro Stadium yesterday Harare City and visiting Hwange battled to a one-all draw.
