CHAMPS LOSE THEIR DEFENSIVE SHIELD

Bruce Chikuni

HAVE FC Platinum lost the defensive shield which propelled them to the last four league championships?

The defending champions were the defensive masters as they marched to glory and established themselves as the dominant side in the domestic Premiership. They say defences win championships and Norman Mapeza and his men appeared to have mastered that as they kept grinding their opponents into submission.

But, it appears, things have changed.

Their ‘keeper, Wallace Magalane, has just kept one clean sheet in six games and conceded six times.

In contrast, last season, he was only beaten SEVEN times in 21 assignments, after taking over from skipper, Petrol Mhari.

Mhari made way for Magalane after sustaining a career-threatening injury just after first 15 games in which he managed seven clean sheets.

While the champions will be searching their soul, everything appears to be going in the right direction for Highlanders.

Bosso have started collecting maximum points on the road, which used to be their main weakness, in the past four seasons.

In fact, they have accumulated more points (seven) on the road than at home (four points).

And, they appear to be doing everything right to fight for the championship.

Their defence has been resolute and they have only conceded once and netted five times in their opening five fixtures.

Maybe, this explains why they are just a point behind leaders, CAPS United, who are also doing well and remain unbeaten.

Bosso have a game in hand.

Cranborne Bullets have hit a new low as they have failed to score in 540 minutes of action.

They are second from the basement with two points.