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Onward Gangata in Gweru
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza has challenged his senior players to show up and provide guidance to the young ones for the miners to get their campaign back on track.
The former league champions have experienced an indifferent start to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
After nine matches, Pure Platinum Play sits fifth on the log standings with 15 points, four behind log leaders Highlanders.
The four-time league champions’ form took a nosedive in April when they won only one out of a possible five matches, losing twice and drawing twice.
It was how they dropped points that has left Mapeza challenging his senior players to step up to the plate.
The platinum miners showed lack of character and poor game management in the losses to ZPC Kariba, and Manica Diamonds as well as the draw against Bikita Minerals.
In all three matches, FC Platinum conceded towards the final whistle.
But on Saturday, FC Platinum put an end to their poor run of form with a 1-0 win over GreenFuel.
Midfielder, Rainsome Pavari, who was captaining the Zvishavane side, scored the all-important goal.
“These are senior players, some of them have been here for more than five years, they know what should be done,” said Mapeza.
In that victory, Mapeza threw in youngster, Anesu Chirinda in the starting eleven, together with defender Bothwell Nzori, who was making his debut.
Mapeza opines the senior players must hand hold the new players, especially in difficult moments.
“Anesu needs guidance, I can do that in training but the seniors must tell him when to attack, when to defend, and at times in the first half that guidance was not there,” he added.
“If we throw in a youngster, the senior players should guide him because they know exactly what we need to do, where the youngster has to be.
“I can’t keep shouting from the bench, I will end up confusing the young boys. The captain and senior players should take my place on the pitch.”
Pavari, who is one of the seasoned players at FC Platinum, said as players they take the lean spell they had as a lesson.
“With years of experience, we understand that victories and defeats are simply part of the game. This allows us to navigate the ups and downs with resilience.
“As seasoned players, we know that each outcome, whether a win or a loss offers valuable lessons that help us grow and improve,” said Pavari.
For Mapeza, his side’s current position on the log standings does not worry him much as he feels that his charges are still within touching distance of the leading pack.
The concern though for him is to get through the difficult times his side has been experiencing.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter