derick.khumalo
Nkosilathi Sibanda at Luveve Stadium
Bulawayo Chiefs 0-1 FC Platinum
BULAWAYO Chiefs suffered a second successive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League defeat after going down 1-0 to FC Platinum at Luveve Stadium on Saturday.
The defeat follows last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Simba Bhora, leaving Amakhosi Amahle searching for a return to winning ways.
The match started cautiously, with both sides struggling to create meaningful chances in the opening exchanges. FC Platinum broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when striker Issaka Gurirab finished from close range after meeting a well-delivered cross from Garikayi Dematsika on the right flank.
The early goal settled the visitors, who controlled possession with composed passing while remaining alert to Chiefs’ attempts to find an equaliser.
FC Platinum carried their slender advantage into the halftime break, with expectations of a more entertaining second half.
After the restart, Bulawayo Chiefs showed greater attacking intent. Raiding down the southern end of the stadium, they pinned FC Platinum back for spells but failed to find the breakthrough.
Anesu Saiti was the hosts’ liveliest attacking outlet, using his pace to trouble the visitors’ defence as he relentlessly searched for an equaliser. Together with Clive Rupiya, he led a sustained spell of pressure that saw Chiefs create several promising opportunities, including two efforts that were blocked in quick succession.
Despite the late pressure, FC Platinum remained organised at the back. While Pure Platinum Play offered little going forward in the second half, Gurirab’s early strike proved enough to separate the two sides. Their disciplined midfield display helped protect the lead and frustrate the hosts until the final whistle.
Teams
Bulawayo Chiefs: Tinotenda Chinovhiringa, Busi Mathe, Melikhaya Ncube, Arthur Musiyiwa, Brian Rusinga, Elvis Moyo, Kelly Shiyandindi, Jimu Gwara, Jameson Masaza, Anesu Saiti, Clive Rupiya.
FC Platinum: Raphael Pitisi, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Thubelihle Jubani, Vitapi Ngaruka, Mason Mushore, David Mangesi, Garikayi Dematsika, Junior Selemani, Oscar Bhebhe, Godfrey Muchenje, Issaka Gurirab.
