Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla walked off the pitch after falling 2-0 to MWOS at Ngoni on Saturday, he visibly cut a dejected figure carrying a heavy heart.
To the gaffer, the Zvishavane side had played well, just like they have done in their other Premier Soccer League games.
But how they failed to convert their chances into goals, was the question boggling his mind.
The former champions have had it rough this season, winning once in their past nine games, recording their worst run since the club’s promotion to the Premier Soccer League in 2011.
“It is disappointing when we drop points like this, right now we are already in the relegation zone and, for such a team, it’s unacceptable,” he said.
“With the investment that the club has put into the team, I feel that we are letting them and the supporters down and I have to be the first one to put the hand up to take responsibility as the leader.
“I feel that at the present moment we are not doing justice for them, we have let the people of Zvishavane down and we quickly have to come up with a solution.”
FC Platinum have 31 points to their record after conceding 17 times while they have found the back of the net 16 times.
“If you look at our games, we take control most of the time but the same thing, we do not score while we also concede silly goals, through our own errors.
“It is sad that we have senior players and internationals who should understand how to deal with such situations with ease.
“The opponents make use of the chances they create, while we fluff ours, we need to introspect on the psychological aspect.”
Criticism has been mounting.
“I have learnt to live with it, maybe, I was never meant to be celebrated because all I know is persecution and criticism,” he said.
“I have a football passion that forces me to take positives in every situation so I will continue to do that. I trust the process and it is a matter of time before we hit the right code.
“That is what football is all about, you stand for what you love and fight for it, we are doing everything that we can so that soon we will get back on our feet and to swallow the harsh words and pressure are part of the journey.”
