FC PLATINUM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(2)3
HERENTALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1)
LOG leaders FC Platinum bounced back to winning ways in emphatic fashion to thrash Herentals in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Rainsome Pavari and Jarrison Selemani were on target for the four-time league champions in the first half.
Grey Kufandada scored Herentals‘ consolation goal.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was forced to make a change in the first minute after goalkeeper David Bizabani was injured following a collision with Tinotenda Benza.
However, the platinum miners set themselves on the way after 15 minutes, following a neat build up inspired by new signing Devine Mhindirira.
His pin-point pass only needed a slight touch from Mutimbanyoka for their opening goal.
- FC Platinum reach Chibuku Cup last eight
- Inside sport: The right way to do it
- FC Platinum 8 points clear as Chicken Inn falters again
- FC Platinum move six points clear
Keep Reading
Five minutes later, Grey Kufandada restored parity for Herentals, after receiving a long ball from goalie Nedrick Madeya and calmly slotted the ball from close range.
But FC Platinum were back in front after 40 minutes, with Pavari heading the ball home from Jarrison Selemani’s delightful cross.
On the stroke of half-time, Selemani added himself on the score sheet with a thunderbolt, arguably one of the best goals for the team this season.
That was all they needed to win the match. The second half was a cagey affair, as FC Platinum slowed down to protect their two goal advantage.
Mapeza was happy with how they applied themselves throughout the match. “They [players] did well today. I am happy especially after we lost the last match,” Mapeza.
“The first half goals gave us comfortable space in the second half. For now, we focus on the remaining games, there are still 14 games left to play.
“What is important for us now is to remain focused and hope that we keep winning all our matches. What makes me happy is that we are creating the chances."
His counterpart Paul Benza was disappointed with the result, which was their second defeat on the trot. They lost 2-1 to Arenel Movers in a mid-week fixture.
Castle Lager Premiership Matchday 21 Resuts
Dynamos 0-0 Bikita Minerals; Highlanders 0-0 TelOne; FC Platinum 3-1 Herentals; Manica 0-0 Ngezi Platinum; Yadah 2-1 Bulawayo Chiefs; ZPC Kariba 2-0 Chicken Inn; Green Fuel 0-0 Chegutu; Hwange 0-1 Simba Bhora
