The Sunday News
Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC Platinum …………………………………………….. (1) 1
Caps United ……………………………………………… (1) 1
CAPS United once again spoiled the party for FC Platinum when they held the determined miners to a one all draw in a crucial Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
A 7th minute strike by Dominic Chungwa and Brian Muzondiwa penalty in the 12th minute saw the two teams sharing the spoils.
Platinum needed maximum points to maintain pressure on Chicken Inn but with the Bulawayo team winning 3-1 the Premiership title hopes of the Zvishavane community were shattered.
Chicken Inn are the champions with a game to spare after they beat Harare City 3-1 in Bulawayo yesterday, attaining an unassailable 58 points.
“Congratulations to Chicken Inn for winning the league. It was not going to be fair for Antipas to falter after a spirited campaign.
“We are actually close buddies. It was a fantastic achievement from my boys and I am very proud of them,’’ said Mapeza.
“I am very proud of my team, they worked so hard this season and we want to go and get a positive result against Dongo. We showed mental strength to get where we are today.
“I can’t complain, my boys worked so hard this season. We lost six key players. I said we leave everything in God’s hands and we never spoke about the championship.
“It was coming from other people and not me as the coach or the Platinum family.”
Chungwa continued with his scoring form when he slotted the ball home after Francis Tizayi had failed to handle cleanly a cross from the right by Biseki Zvikomborero.
At the other end Zambian international Obrey Chirwa, a menace to the Caps United defence all afternoon, was hacked down in the box by Carlton Mudzambwa and Bulawayo-based referee Philani Ncube duly awarded the hosts a penalty.
Muzondiwa converted when he sent Jorum Muchambo the wrong way. Caps could have increased their tally in the 47th minute but Hardlife Zvirekwi completely missed a cross from Phenias Bamusi from the left with only goalkeeper Tizayi to beat.
Tatenda Dzumbunu could have grabbed the lead for the hosts when he connected a cross from Tatenda Mudehwe but his effort found Muchambo at his best. “We had come to Mandava to do our job. Our job is to play football but not to do favours for anyone but ourselves.
“We are professionals, we did what was best for Caps United and it was unfortunate that I only managed to get a point when I wanted maximum points,” said Caps United coach Lloyd Chitembwe.
