Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Kwekwe United 0–0 FC Platinum
IT was a match that promised fireworks, delivered tension, but ultimately ended with both sides clutching at what-ifs.
FC Platinum’s inability to convert dominance into goals once again came back to haunt them as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by a gritty and determined Kwekwe United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at a packed Bata Stadium in Gweru on Saturday.
The result marked the third time this season that the former champions have failed to find the back of the net, underlining a worrying trend that coach Norman Mapeza was quick to call out.
“Last week again, I spoke about it — it’s all about decision making. There is no decision making,” Mapeza fumed after the match.
“In football, it is all about awareness and then decision making. If there is no awareness, then it’s difficult. Players must know and be aware — when defending, when attacking, in the final third — they must be conscious of their positions.”
From the onset, FC Platinum looked the more ambitious of the two sides, settling quickly and forcing an early save from Kwekwe United goalkeeper Lennon Gonese, who flung himself full stretch to deny a goal-bound effort inside the opening five minutes. But that early promise would unravel into a pattern of hesitance and over-elaboration for the visitors. Time and again, Pure Platinum Play worked the ball into promising positions, only to overpass or misplace the final ball — a flaw that turned possession into futility.
Devine Mhindirira blasted over from inside the box at the half-hour mark, and a minute later, James Ngulube produced the miss of the afternoon, scuffing a gilt-edged tap-in that drew gasps from the terraces.
Kwekwe United, by contrast, were conservative in the first-half, sitting deep and absorbing the waves of FC Platinum’s attack. But they nearly punished the Zvishavane giants for their wastefulness just before the break.
Maxwell Murimba pounced on a defensive slip by Mbongeni Ndlovu, but with defenders closing in, he hesitated — a costly pause that allowed the chance to vanish.
Coach Saul Chaminuka, however, saw more positives than negatives.
“We did well, and what we lacked today is luck,” he said with a confident nod. “The team is good. I think we are even good enough for a top-eight finish. We have everything needed except for a few small elements. As a coach, I am happy with the commitment these boys are showing.”
Chaminuka’s charges emerged with renewed ambition after halftime. In the 54th minute, winger Mbongeni Minezhi tried his luck from distance, forcing a fingertip save from FC Platinum goalkeeper David Bizabani. Moments later, Murimba fluffed another chance — this time with a wayward header after a sharp cross from veteran Masimba Mambare.
FC Platinum continued to probe but were no sharper in the second-half. Their frustrations boiled over in the 80th minute when substitute Vincent Nyangulu thought he had broken the deadlock, sliding home Davison Marowa’s inviting cross. The goal, however, was chalked off for offside — a decision that triggered angry scenes from the visitors’ fans, who hurled missiles at the assistant referee.
The technical team had to step in to pacify the furious supporters. When the dust finally settled, the scoreboard still read 0-0.
Londile Moyo