Online Reporter
Alberto Chamwadoro, [email protected]
FC Platinum 1-1 FC Hunters
JOEL Luphahla’s future at FC Platinum was yesterday left hanging by the thread after home team fans were left baying for his blood following a draw with visiting FC Hunters in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Mandava Stadium.
The result in which FC Platinum allowed the visitors to draw level in the second half, did not sink well with the team’s vociferous supporters.
In a bitter post-match scene, and contrary to tradition, Luphahla and his players were unable to salute the fans. Instead, a furious crowd chased the beleaguered coach away, chanting that they no longer wanted him at the club.
After enduring a barren 270 minutes without scoring at home, FC Platinum finally broke their duck. In the 21st minute, the composed Abram Mbakondja Tjahikika converted confidently from the penalty spot after the lively Garikai Dematsika had been recklessly impeded inside the box by Junior Meya, the FC
Hunters defender.
With FC Platinum believing they had wrapped up a crucial victory, the indefatigable King Munyaradzi
Nadolo spoiled the party with a dramatic equaliser in the 90th minute.
In the 21st minute, the dynamic Trevor Bhunu found himself with acres of space down the right channel and delivered a sumptuous, perfectly weighted cross to the alert Dematsika, who was lurking inside the box. However, Meya clumsily elbowed Dematsika, and the referee rightly pointed to the spot.
Tjahikika stepped up with ice cold composure and calmly slotted home the resultant penalty.
With everyone certain that FC Platinum would finally bag all three points, Nadolo had other ideas. Generous Elder Chirima stormed into the box via the left wing and delivered a fabulous cut-in, which
Nadolo obliged with a ferocious, unstoppable screamer that nestled into the roof of the net.
A naturally dejected Luphahla was crestfallen with the result, especially as the team had hoped to pay a befitting tribute to the late FC Platinum captain, Brian Banda, who tragically passed away on 29 June 2025 in a road traffic accident.
“It’s disappointing because we were just three minutes away from victory,” said a frustrated Luphahla.
“But sometimes, for a team to score, they need the other team to make a mistake, and I think we failed to clear our lines. It was a simple clearance that should have been made, but our defender tried to control the ball instead.
“This is now our third home game without a win. We lost to Rentals, we lost to Tungezi and now we have drawn a match we were supposed to win. We also continue to squander gilt-edged chances that we
should be converting, which is a real cause for concern. I know our fans are disappointed. When you don’t win at home, people start losing confidence in the team. You can even see it in the crowd, people are starting to stay home because the team isn’t winning. We seem to be playing better away from home, but we need to fix this and put it behind us. We need to be stronger now.”
In contrast, an elated FC Hunters coach, Nesbert ‘Yabo’ Saruchera, was beaming with pride at his team’s gritty performance.
“I think we did exceptionally well,” said Yabo. “Our fighting spirit was right up there, so I am delighted with the boys’ performance. We are improving with every outing. As a coach, I’m pleased with our progress so far. We started poorly, but now we are fitter and more organised. We didn’t have enough time for pre-season because we didn’t even know which league we would be playing in. It wasn’t easy for us, but now the team has gelled superbly. The fearless youngsters are also fighting for every ball, so I am very happy.”
FC Platinum XI:
Manfred Ekoi, Lindelwe Ndlovu (C), Maxwell Paipi, Thubelihle Jubani, Trevor Bhunu, Garikai Dematsika, Eric Agrippa Manokore, Dylan Smart Nchito, Godfrey Tadiwanashe Muchenje, Abram Mbakondja Tjahikika, Oscar Bhebhe.
Substitutes
Raphael Pitisi, Takunda Vareta, Thubelihle David Ndlovu, Hagiazo El Shaddai Desire Magaya, Devine Philmon Mhindirira, Junior Jarrison Selemani, Emmanuel Dogbey, McKinnon Mushore, Tinashe Jerry Ruzive, Brain Karipi.
FC Hunters XI
Moreblessing Phiri, Macclive Phiri, Ronald Pfumbidzai (C), Junior Meya, Delight Gandari, Tadiwanashe
Huni, Emmanuel Zinyama, Vusumuzi Ngwenya, Elder Chirima, Benjamin Takudzwa Goliath, Tadiwa Chibunyu.
Substitutes
Brandon Munkuli, Rasmarley Tamuko Chipango, Tawananyasha Dongo, Michael Tapera, Denver Nigel Mukamba, Brighton Christopher, Elie Kiyana Ilunga, Ordain Sira, King Munyaradzi Nadolo, Munyaradzi Mushanga.
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