The Sunday News
Sports Reporter
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapungu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
NORMAN MAPEZA was a relieved man after his charges posted their first win at Mandava in the second half of the season to go four points clear at the top.
Second half substitute Gift Mbweti and Winston Mhango scored for FC Platinum who moved to 52 points and four ahead of second placed Ngezi Platinum Stars who drew 1-1 against Chicken Inn at Luveve yesterday.
It was a drab affair at Mandava until Mapeza introduced Mbweti and Never Tigere early in the second half and the former Warriors mentor hailed the impact made by the duo in his post-match interview.
Mbweti opened the scores in the 60th minute, nine minutes after coming on for Charles Sibanda, when his left footer sailed past Chapungu keeper Talbert Shumba.
Mhango made it 2-0 for the champions in the 74th minute with a rising shot after a neat exchange of passes at the edge of the box.
“I think in the first half there was nothing much to talk about, but second half we came out stronger after making those substitutions. At the end of the day what is really important is we got the three points,” said Mapeza.
This was FC Platinum’s first win at Mandava in the second half of the 2018 season and one that relieved a bit of pressure from Mapeza’s shoulders.
“It was a very good win for the whole institution, everyone wanted this win, the bosses, everyone. What we need to do now is to be more consistent as we go into the next games.
“But I am sure we now have less pressure, we just need to work extra hard,” he added.
Chapungu gaffer Rodwell Dhlakama thought his charges matched the champions pound for pound and were unlucky to lose the match.
“It was a difficult game for us but we managed to match them pound for pound especially in the first half. In the second half they adjusted, scored a soft goal and went on to win the game,” said Dhlakama.
“If you fail to take your chances you will be punished, but we will go back to the drawing board and work towards our next game against Black Rhinos.”
Before the introduction of Mbweti and Tigere, it was a drab affair at Mandava where the first corner of the game came after 30 minutes of play.
FC Platinum play Harare City at Rufaro on Wednesday in their next match.
Teams
FC Platinum: W Magalane, R Muduviwa, G Bello, K Moyo, W Stima, W Mhango, K Madzongwe, R Chinyengetere, C. Sibanda ( Mbweti 51 mins), A Eonde, T. Chideu (Tigere 46 mins)
Chapungu: T Shumba, H Mugoniwa, B Mbavarira, C Kwaramba, M Muchingami, I Nyoni, J Jam ( Muzanenhamo 54 mins), A Tavarwisa (Chirape 66 mins), B Mugoni (Manuvire 75 mins), P Marufu
