Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
LATELY, Norman Mapeza has been praising his FC Platinum charges for their resilience, especially in the last couple of weeks when their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixtures have come thick and fast.
FC Platinum not only picked up nine points within seven days last week, but they are also unbeaten in 22 matches and remain the only team without a defeat in the 2025 championship campaign.
Before edging GreenFuel 1-0 amid some controversy in Chisumbanje last Saturday, FC Platinum had beaten Kwekwe United 2-1 at Mandava last Wednesday.
This was also just four days after they became the first team to beat MWOS at Ngoni, handing the newboys a 2-0 defeat.
Last weekend’s win against GreenFuel stretched their unbeaten run to 22 matches and the Zvishavane miners now need to avoid defeat against Scottland at Mandava on Saturday to equal Highlanders’ record 23-match unbeaten streak achieved back in 2012.
Bosso’s record has stood for 13 years, but it’s now under threat from FC Platinum who have resurrected and have been grinding results in a fashion often associated with championship-winning teams.
Apart from setting their sights on the title, Mapeza’s men, who are fourth with 40 points, four behind leaders Simba Bhora, have shown the potential to go all the way and finish the season unbeaten.
In 2012 Highlanders went for 180 days without tasting defeat.
Their unbeaten run stretched from April 1, when they dismantled Blue Rangers 4-0 at Barbourfields until September 29, when they eventually lost 0-3 against Monomotapa at Rufaro.
In that season Bosso were under the guidance of Zambian coach Kelvin “KK” Kaindu.
And now 13 years later, as Kaindu begins life at Dynamos, FC Platinum are on an almost similar run under ex-Warriors captain and coach Mapeza.
FC Platinum have not lost in the league since March 1 when the 2025 season kicked off. They also have an outstanding fixture against Manica Diamonds, which was shelved following the death of their midfielder Brian Banda in a fatal car accident.
Mapeza’s side have scored 23 goals and conceded eight times, making their defence the best in the league so far.
Former Highlanders vice-captain Mbongeni “Mbola” Ndlovu and Malawian Nickson Nyasulu have anchored FC Platinum’s defence in a formidable center-back partnership.
“I am proud of the boys, they have worked so hard,” Mapeza told the media soon after their win over GreenFuel.
The four-time champions’ title credentials will come under scrutiny on Saturday when they host resurgent Scottland.
Scottland, who have been one of the busiest sides during the mid-season transfer market, have their own ambitions. They want to emulate Black Rhinos’ feat that has stood for 41 years when the army side won the championship on debut in 1984.
Scottland are also aiming to become the first team to beat FC Platinum this season.
It is on the back of the two teams’ current form and background that Saturday’s clash has assumed gigantic status.
A match which both Simba Bhora and MWOS will also be keeping a close eye on.
Scottland are second on the log, with 43 points and one behind log leaders Simba Bhora going into the clash at Mandava.
Tonderai Ndiraya’s ambitious debutants have won their last four matches and are targeting a crucial fifth win on the trot.
More importantly was the Scottland statement of intent this week, laced in the signing of Warriors talismanic forward and former national team captain Knowledge Musona.
Musona’s blockbuster move has ignited more interest in the clash between FC Platinum and Scottland with Ndiraya set to throw in the “Smiling Assasin’’ into action where he will also feature in a club match with his young brother Walter for the first time.
“I think the whole nation must be excited to watch Knowledge in our Premier League,” Ndiraya said.
“The fact that he decided to come back and play in our league is a very huge plus for our league,” added Ndiraya.
Ndiraya is aiming for his own piece of history.
He could also become the first coach to win back-to-back championships with different clubs, having also guided Simba Bhora to the podium last season.
So, a win against FC Platinum will ensure Scottland continue to have a huge say in the destiny of the 2025 title.
Should the hosts triumph and MWOS falter again at Dynamos who they meet at Rufaro on the same day, then FC Platinum will ease into second spot.
With all the sub plots characterising this encounter, the spotlight will fall on events at Mandava.
