The Sunday News
Munyaradzi Musiiwa in Gweru
Nichrut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
FC PLATINUM gaffer Norman Mapeza believes his team is getting closer to lifting the league title after dismantling relegation threatened Nichrut in a Castle Lager Premier encounter played at Ascot Stadium yesterday.
Rodwell Chinyengetere’s 47th minute goal, his 14th for the season is all Pure Platinum Play needed to secure victory.
FC Platinum lead second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars who were held to a goalless draw at home by Chapungu.
Mapeza said the marathon was almost over and his charges should maintain the attitude and mentality they exhibited throughout the season.
Mapeza, however, conceded that the last four games were not going to be a stroll in the park.
FC Platinum needs at least two wins to clinch the title.
“It is all about mental strength. We have been running the marathon, we just have to push. We have to maintain the same attitude and mentality in the remaining four games. I know it’s not going to be easy,” he said.
Mapeza was also impressed with his charges’ performance against Nichrut.
“We played very well today considering that we were playing against the wind in the first half. We usually don’t do well coming from a break but I told the boys to have a positive mind,” he said.
His counterpart, Nichrut coach William Mhazo, who took over on an interim basis after John Nyikadzino was involved in an accident a few weeks ago believes Nichrut will survive relegation.
“We played well but we were just unfortunate today. We made a blunder and we were not able to recover. However, our focus is now on the next game. We believe we will survive relegation,” he said.
The two had a dull first half as the visitors were forced to defend for the greater part of it as they were playing against the wind.
FC Platinum upped their game in the second half and scored just two minutes after the interval when Chinyengetere fired home from close range after the Nichrut goalkeeper spilled a shot from Kevin Moyo.
The hosts started making meaningful attempts following the introduction of Rodreck Mutuma in the 65th minute.
The self proclaimed prince of Zimbabwean football gave the FC Platinum a torrid time. However, his efforts were in vain as the hosts failed to get a goal.
