adminCastle Lager Premiership tie at Rimuka yesterday.
Mushangazike set up Lot Chiwunga for the opening goal as the army side warmed up their new home with a big win.
Mushangazhike played for the now defunct Fire Batteries in 1995 and also had a stint at Blackpool before he moved to Germany and later to South Africa and China.
The former Manning Rangers and Orlando Pirates veteran spent the first half of this season at Power Masters in the Zifa Northern Region Division One.
Mushangazhike’s headed assist found a well positioned Chiwunga in the box, who turned and struck a low shot past Francis Tizayi in goals for FC Platinum in the fifth minute.
The goal managed to settle the soldiers although FC Platinum could have rescued the game as Nelson Maziwisa and Donald Ngoma had good chances.
Thabani Kamusoko’s own goal, when he tried to clear an effort by Chiwunga, gave Rhinos a cushion in the 67th minute.
But the day belonged to Mushangazhike who had a thing or two to show to players who are half his age.
“The main reason why I came back into the Premiership was to steady this team.
“I have gathered a lot of experience over the years and I think today, the experience was an asset for Rhinos.
“In football there is a time when veteran players are badly needed,” said Mushangazhike.
Rhinos coach, Arthur Tutani, said the three points had helped his side to gain confidence in their relegation battle.
“I am happy with this victory because it has given us the inspiration, maybe, to dodge the axe.
“The tactical plan was to suffocate the FC Platinum midfield and at the same time attack them relentlessly and it paid off.
“This was good revenge because we lost 1-0 in the reverse fixture,” said Tutani.
FC Platinum coach Lloyd Mutasa had taken off to a fine start when he beat Highlanders 3-1 on penalties in the BancABC Sup8r quarterfinals but he was brought down to earth with a thud by the struggling side.
“I am very disappointed with my players who were resorting to hit and run type of football,” said Mutasa.
Interestingly, FC Platinum are yet to score in open play, in two matches, since Mutasa took over.
Online Reporter