Sundaymail EditorPaul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
FC PLATINUM moved to fourth after finally remembering how to win with a slender 1-0 victory over struggling Tsholotsho in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Mandava yesterday.
Pure Platinum Play had gone four consecutive matches without a win until Gift Mbweti’s solitary strike got them back on track yesterday.
The win pushed FC Platinum to 25 points, three behind Ngezi Platinum Stars and Chicken Inn – who played a goalless draw at Luveve yesterday.
Ngezi are tied with Chicken Inn on 28 points but have a superior goal difference. Black Rhinos, who host Harare City at Morris Depot this afternoon, are now third with 27 points.
At Mandava, former Hwange hitman Mbweti scored his second goal of the season in the third minute.
Nine minutes later Platinum could have made it 2-0 but ‘keeper Chang Mariyoni showed why he has attracted interest from beyond the borders.
Elvis Moyo released a screamer that was blocked by the goalkeeper into the path of Rodwell Chinyengetere.
The former Hwange midfielder released another scorcher but the Tsholotsho goal minder was well-positioned and parried the ball back into play.
Chinyengetere, Mbweti, Winston Mhango and Ian Nekati had a good afternoon in the Pure Platinum Play colours, leaving coach Norman Mapeza a happy man.
“A win is a win. I hope the victory will turn the tables around and we need to keep on working hard,” said Mapeza who also took the opportunity to talk about former national team player Edzai Kasinauyo’s death.
“Edzai was my teammate. I am saddened by his death. We have lost a good player and administrator … I want to thank all those who attended his funeral (yesterday) and had it not been for the match, definitely I was going to attend his burial. May his soul rest in peace” said Mapeza.
A minute of silence was observed for Kasinauyo before kick-off in both matches at Mandava and Luveve.
PSL Results
FC Platinum 1-0 Tsholotsho
Chicken Inn 0-0 Ngezi Platinum
Online Reporter