Norman Mapeza unfazed by ZNA Shield exit

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza is unperturbed by his sideaï¿½ï¿½s semi-final exit from the ZNA Charities Shield after losing 4-3 on penalties to Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.

Following a 1-1 regulation scoreline, the match had to be decided by penalties which sent the platinum miners tumbling out of the tournament.

Highlanders had gone ahead through Bruce Kangwaaï¿½ï¿½s powerful shot eight minutes into the second half before Walter Musona equalized for FC Platinum with a well-struck free kick, throwing the match into the lottery kicks.

Ariel Sibanda then became the hero for Highlanders as he saved two penalties by FC Platinumaï¿½ï¿½s Moyo twin brothers Elvis and Kelvin.

Despite the exit, Mapeza said the result was nothing to read much into.

aï¿½?I think we played well although there are some areas we still need to work on.

We came from behind and forced penalty shootouts so that shows something about the fighting spirit in my boys,aï¿½? Mapeza said.

aï¿½?We were just unfortunate to lose on penalties. The outcome is not really a reflection of how we are.

This was just a pre-season match and we were still trying combinations.

The new guys in the team are getting used to our system. I am not much worried about the loss.aï¿½?

After closely missing out on the league title last season, FC Platinum are expected to be one of the serious championship contenders this term. – Online .