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Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(2) 3
Border Strikers. . . . . . . . . .. . (0) 0
THE worry for Norman Mapeza was that his charges would slacken against a pathetic Border Strikers side.
However, FC Platinum left their gaffer bubbling after coming out with all guns blazing to record their sixth Castle Lager Premier Soccer League win of the season at Mandava yesterday.
Zambian import Obrey Chirwa scored a brace, planting a firm header after only three minutes and then slotting a neat finish on 34 minutes. Defender Elvis Moyo completed the rout in the 57th minute when he placed the ball beyond an advancing Border Strikers ‘keeper Gilbert Chingwandaza.
Mapeza, who is yet to lose a league match since May 2015, is enjoying himself and warns that Pure Platinum Play will get better as the season unfolds.
“We do not have any pressure at all. In a game of football I know that one day we will lose or draw,” he said. “It is good to keep collecting points; we must continue working hard and also have the mental strength to maintain our form. We need to keep enjoying football and keep our feet on the ground.”
Mapeza is quick to dismiss any championship talk but there is something special with the way FC Platinum, who beat Dynamos 1-0 last weekend, are going about business.
Even Border Strikers coach Saul Chaminuka could not hide his admiration after a game in which his team was thoroughly beaten.
“They are a very good side and we can’t take away anything from them,” said Chaminuka. “But I think we gifted them the three goals. We still have problems upfront and we will continue to work hard.”
Border Strikers are the only side without a win or a goal after seven rounds of action and from the look of things, they will be back in Division One next season.
FC Platinum could have inflicted more pain on the hapless visitors had they been more precise in front of goal.
Winger Walter Musona had his header cleared off the line by Border Strikers defender Godfrey Mukambi in the 49th minute and roving right-back Ian Nekati hit the upright post in the 52nd minute.
Resurgent central midfielder Tatenda Dzumbunu’s blistering shot, after he was fed by Nqobizitha Masuku, was tipped over the bar by Chingwandaza on 75 minutes.
FC Platinum travel to Bulawayo for a date against a revived How Mine next weekend while Border Strikers host Tsholotsho FC at their adopted Maglas.
Teams
FC Platinum: P Mhari, G Bello, I Nekati, K Moyo, E Moyo, N Masuku (S Shoko, 85’), R Chinyengetere, T Dzumbunu, W Musona (T Mudehwe, 59’), O Chirwa, T Rukanda (I Wadi, 76’)
Border Strikers: G Chingwandaza, P Muzondo, M Variso, T Jaravana, G Mukambi, K Kwashi (T Mugadzaweta, 73’), M Chirape, T Mushaya (P Sibanda, 63’), B Chirimanzi, T Kalunga, T Mukambi (A Banana, 69’)
Online Reporter