FC PLATINUM................ [1]4
YADAH STARS............... [0]0
REIGNING Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona grabbed a hat-trick as FC Platinum bounced back to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a 4–0 demolition of 10-man Yadah in the Chibuku Super Cup first round at Mandava yesterday.
Goals from Musona and another by Juan Mutudza were all Pure Platinum Play needed to finally taste victory after a spate of poor results.
After the win, Norman Mapeza heaved a sigh of relief as his men finally remembered to win after three consecutive defeats at home.
"This is what we wanted, to finally win and get back on top. A lot has been said in the past, but I'm happy the boys pitched up," Mapeza said.
"We still have a lot of work to do in the league but this will go a long way in boosting our confidence especially in the league where we need to start winning.
"Congratulations to the boys.
"They worked for it and I hope it continues," he added.
Yadah came into this one with spring in their step knowing they walked out of Mandava Stadium with maximum points on their last visit.
However, they found themselves chasing the game in the early stages of the match as FC Platinum exerted pressure from the onset.
Musona and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya both came close in the first 10 minutes, as the visitors set deep in their own half.
For Yadah, Clive Mandivei and King Nadolo were a thorn in the FC Platinum flesh.
The Miracle boys were reduced to ten men after 15 minutes when Marvellous Faranando was sent off for a crude nudge on Hagaizo Magaya.
From there onwards FC Platinum capitalised on their numerical advantage, and they got a boost 15 minutes later.
Rookie forward Tatenda Jamu earned them a penalty when his cross was handled in the box by a Yadah defender. And Musona made no mistake from the spotkick.
FC Platinum could have been leading by two goals at half-time, but Walter Musona missed a sitter just before the break, with a flashing header from close range.
Mutudza doubled FC Platinum's lead in the 47th minute with his first touch from the bench.
On the hour mark, Jerry Chipangura saw his shot from close range saved by Petros Mhari.
FC Platinum earned another penalty in the 66th minute, this time after Panashe Mutimbanyoka was fouled in the box and Musona calmly converted.
Musona completed his hat-trick on the 80th minute mark, slotting the ball home from close range.
Yadah gaffer Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe was disappointed with how the match was handled.
"We lost and it is disappointing, but we have to move on and focus on future assignments. I am not really happy with how the match was handled but it's football, we have to soldier on," he said.
"Congratulations to FC Platinum, they worked hard. It was your day, the numerical disadvantage really affected us."