adminFC Platinum were 4-0 winners at Mandava Stadium on Saturday in the second leg of the preliminary round to book a place against El Merreikh of Sudan. They had won the first leg in Swaziland 4-2 a fortnight ago.
The Midlands team made sure it did not disappoint Minister of Defence Emmerson Mnangagwa with an exciting brand of attacking football in a one-sided match that could have seen the home team winning by a rugby like scoreline.
“I am happy that FC Platinum lived up to our expectations. The match was very exciting and the way the Swazi team played I thought we were going to witness a match where they would offer resistance but I later discovered that they are minnows. One would not be surprised if FC Platinum makes it to the final with the way they played,” said Ndumiso Gumede, the Zifa vice- president.
“It was a good game but the players need to be physical especially in the next matches they will play but overall I am happy,” said Shabanie Mine Football club patron Greg Mataka.
“We are happy with the result and we were superior to Green Mamba. I am excited that we are through to the second round and I am looking forward to playing the Sudanese,” said Nathan Shoko the FC Platinum president.
Premier Soccer League board member for development and Gunners owner Cuthbert Chitima was over the moon.
“FC Platinum played very well and I can see them going very far and probably past the mini-league stage. I am happy that their type of play has changed as they are now playing a passing game and I wish them well,” he said.
The head of delegation for the Swazi team, Phumuza Ntshangase, conceded defeat.
“I saw good football being displayed. We had confidence but FC Platinum was much prepared for us than we thought. They played the best football and our boys are just a young squad. I hope that next time we meet the same team again, we will give them good competition,” he said.
The Green Mamba chairperson was at a loss for words.
“We lost the match. FC Platinum was far better than us and we have learnt a lot of things from them,” said Thokozile Nxumalo.
Bongani Ndlovu
- Chronicle , SundayNews
- June 4, 2026
- 10 views
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