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Makomborero Mutimukulu in ZVISHAVANE
FC Platinum. . . . . . . . . . .1
How Mine. . . . . . . . . . . .0
FC PLATINUM goalkeeper Petros Mhari did little harm to his burgeoning reputation as he put up another good show as the leaders subdued How Mine in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Mandava yesterday. In a week that saw his name feature prominently in Warriors team selection debate, Mhari did not shame those pushing for his inclusion in the senior men’s national side.
He made a series of good saves as FC Platinum defended Walter Musona’s first half strike to the death. Mapeza, a former Warriors mentor, refused to wade into the debate about whether or not Mhari should be the Zimbabwe number one. “Look, it is not for me to say how good or bad he (Mhari) has been playing. It’s for you media guys to say.
“Yes, there have been stories about him but to us its business as usual. “He hasn’t come to me and I haven’t spoken to him about that,” Mapeza said. FC Platinum are now four points clear of Caps United who host defending champions Chicken Inn at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
“I am delighted with the three points, I hope we have a fruitful season,” said Mapeza.
The log leaders found the target after 30 minutes of play when Musona beat an offside trap and lobbed the ball over How Mine ‘keeper Munyaradzi Diya before cushioning it home with his head.
Charles Sibanda, who has not scored since his return to Zvishavane in the mid-season transfer window, squandered a golden opportunity in the 37th minute when he failed to beat Diya in a one-on-one situation.
Second half substitute Tarisai Rukanda was on the field for just over a minute when he found himself with a chance to double FC Platinum’s lead but he bundled his effort against a defender.
Elvis Moyo dragged his shot wide in the 80th minute, four minutes before Musona shot wide as Pure Platinum Play searched for an insurance goal.
How Mine piled the pressure in the closing stages of the game but they found Mhari in a no nonsense mood as FC Platinum hung on for an important win.
Chikurupati coach Kevin Kaindu was a dejected man. “I am disappointed with the way we conceded the goal, we gave them a soft goal.
“We always want to raise our game after conceding but this time we failed to score,” he said.
Teams
FC Platinum: P Mhari, R Muduviwa, I Nekati, E Moyo, K Moyo, W Mhango, R Chinyengetere (G Takwara, 77’), N Masuku, C Sibanda (W Kamudyariwa, 89’), M Kawashu (T Rukanda, 56’), W Musona
How Mine: M Diya, P Tonha, Q Amini (G Nguwodzawo, 70’), V Kamhuka, T Khumbuyani, M Sakala, P Manhanga, H Masuku (T Banda, 17’), T Makanda (T Ranthokoane, 71’), M Ncube, K Musharu
Online Reporter