Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
MWOS 0
FC Platinum 2
IT’S been an emotional few weeks for FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza.
First came the tragic loss of star midfielder Brian Banda in a road accident. Days later, winger Oscar Bhebhe was also involved in a car crash, though he escaped unharmed.
Understandably, the incidents have shaken the veteran gaffer. But his team is responding the only way they know how, by winning.
On Saturday, FC Platinum handed MWOS their first defeat at Ngoni Stadium since it was homologated for Premier Soccer League matches in April. The result also preserved Platinum’s unbeaten run in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
“We’re now playing every game for the late Brian Banda,” said Mapeza after the match.
Davison Marowa opened the scoring in the 18th minute, heading home a pinpoint cross from the tireless Thubelihle Jubane. Precious Phiri doubled the lead shortly after the restart to seal a commanding win in Norton.
“I can’t control what players do in their spare time, but they are family men,” said Mapeza, who also took time to praise MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa for building a strong debut campaign.
The Norton side had only lost once in 20 outings before this setback.
“Losing happens in football, but it’s painful to lose at home after going such a long time unbeaten here at Ngoni,” said Mutasa. “You accept it, take the result home, and come back stronger.”
The win lifted FC Platinum to 31 points, with two games in hand. They’re 12 points behind log leaders Simba Bhora, who edged Dynamos 1-0 at Wadzanai on Saturday.
One of Platinum’s games in hand is the yet to be decided clash against Dynamos, which was abandoned. The other, against Manica Diamonds, was postponed to allow the team to mourn Banda.
MWOS, despite the loss, remain on 40 points, three behind Simba.
Mapeza, reflecting on the road ahead, was philosophical: “Only God knows if we can go all the way and finish the season unbeaten.”
