FC Platinum shoot to the top

Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Reporter

Bulawayo Chiefs 0-1 FC Platinum

FC PLATINUM’S win over cmade it easy for them to regain the top spot in the Castle Lager Premiership log standings, but their coach Norman Mapeza was not pleased with his team’s performance yesterday.

The visitors scored in the 38th minute through Davison Marowa’s blasting shot. The hosts’ defender Xolisani Moyo had put his guard down and was in part to carry the blame for exposing his goalkeeper. Moyo put up a rather sloppy attempt to defend the ball and that cost Bulawayo Chiefs the match.

After the victory, FC Platinum now lead the pack with 31 points on the bag, while Manica Diamonds who were dislodged from the apex, now sit on second position with 30 points. The winning coach, Mapeza, was not that pleased with how his players performed on the day. He was worried with that they missed a glut of chances, owing to poor decisions.

Davison Maruwa

“In terms of performance, I don’t think we did well. We had some good opportunities but, were poor in decision making in the final third. Maybe it was because of the break and the momentum dropped a little bit. At the end of the day, what was important was getting maximum points and focus on the next match,” he said.

Mapeza pointed out that the just ended break had an effect on his players’ catch up. Bulawayo Chiefs on the other hand played according to plan and their biggest letdown was the mistake in conceding the goal, according to coach Thulani Sibanda.

“It wasn’t a difficult game. We were playing according to our game plan, until that mistake by Xolisani Moyo. What we intended was not to allow them to play in between us and we were doing very well.

“We did create chances. I thought we could get something out of those chances,” said Sibanda.
FC Platinum’s first goal scoring opportunity that would have opened the scoresheet was in the seventh minute when Lawrence Mhlanga hit a shot that was saved by the alert Bulawayo Chiefs’ goalkeeper Tatenda Ndlovu.

Norman mapeza

It wasn’t long before another chance came Bulawayo Chiefs’ way as Leroy Ndlovu failed to convert and leave the teams level. FC Platinum’s goalie, David Bizabani denied the hosts on numerous occasions.

That goal by Marowa was all there was to separate the two teams. He could have scored a brace but opted to pull his shot wide. His teammate Panashe Mutimbanyoka’ effort was also denied by Ndlovu.

Amakhosi Amahle went home ruing goal scoring chances they had in the first half, that if converted, would have changed the complexion of the match from the onset.

FC Platinum kept their defence lines intact and have substitute Mbongeni Ndlovu to thank as the defender blocked a goal bound shot from Bulawayo Chiefs’ leading goal scorer Never Rauzhi on the stroke of full time.

Teams:
Bulawayo Chiefs
T. Ndlovu, L. Ndlovu (P.Shoko 64 mins), E. Chikwende, N. Masilela, X. Moyo, N. Rauzhi, M Feldman (N.Ncube 46 mins), M. Hativagoni, J. Nyabinde (M. Dube 78mins), G. Muchenje, J.Masaza
FC Platinum
D. Bizabani, B. Nzori (M Ndlovu 52 mins), L. Mhlanga, R. Pavari, H. Magaya (B. Manhire 52 mins) , B. Banda, S.Mhlanga ( M.Ngwenya 79 mins), J. Mutudza, D. Marowa (O.Bhebhe 90 mins) , P. Mutimbanyoka, W. Muvirimi (T. Ngwenya 79 mins)
–@NkosieLegend