The Sunday News
Paul Mundandi, in Zvishavane
FC Platinum …………(0) 3
Bantu Rovers …………… 0NORMAN Mapeza started his first day in office on a high note when he propelled his new side FC Platinum to the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Cup after dismissing Bantu Rovers.
A 47th minute penalty by Qadr Amin, Ashley Mukwena’s 52nd minute strike and a last minute header from Zambian import, Aaron Katebe was enough to give a smile to the new coach and after the match fans were chanting his name as he saluted them holding the hands of Patrick Mandizha and Daniel Khumalo his assistants.
Following two years of frustration on the sidelines, Mapeza was over the moon and described the victory as better things to come for the miners.
“This is just the beginning of better things in Zvishavane. I still need to work with my players on endurance and finishing but getting three goals is something I am proud of. I am an ambitious person but I do not want to be over ambitious,” said the 42-year-old former national team coach who had a promising career for the Warriors before suspension over his involvement in the Asiagate saga.
Platinum were thrust into the lead by Amin through a penalty awarded to the hosts by Kwekwe based referee Thabani Bamala who had a good show.
Herbert Dick handled the ball in the box and the referee who was close to the scene pointed to the spot and Amin sent Rovers’ young goalkeeper Nkosilathi Mlalazi the wrong way.
Five minutes later Mukwena who was signed from Shabanie Mine added another goal when he scored his first goal for the green and white shirted outfit off a pass from hard running Michelle Katsvairo.
With a respectable scoreline and with just a minute before the end of the match Bantu conceded a corner on the left. Super substitute Raymond Sibanda who played his heart out sent a good cross from the left which was met by the 22-year old Katebe with a firm header.
The soft spoken Rovers’ gaffer Methembe Ndlovu congratulated the winners after the match saying his side had no depth to compete in two fronts.
Other Chibuku Cup results: ZPC Kariba0, Harare City 1; Caps United 3, Chapungu 0.
