Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE last time they came to the capital, they left fans licking their fingers, after serving a sumptuous football menu at Rufaro.
When they drew 1-1 against Dynamos last Sunday, FC Platinum looked like a team that has adjusted quicker than expected to the departure of four-time championship winning gaffer Norman Mapeza.
Mapeza spent more than a decade in Zvishavane and also won several trophies, including the Premiership title three times, the Chibuku Super Cup and the Castle Challenge Cup.
Under Mapeza Pure Platinum Play were renowned for a possession-based style of football that was very easy on the eye.
Now under Joel Lupahla, the Zvishavane miners are still playing the same attractive brand of football.
Their sexy type of football was on show last weekend when they held DeMbare at Rufaro.
Lupahla has introduced a number of changes, including restoring the gifted Eric “Cantona” Manokore to his preferred central midfield position.
The 32-year-old had been converted into a hybrid right back when he was still at CAPS United, yet he burst onto the scene as an intelligent central midfielder when at Cranborne Bullets about four years ago.
Manokore came on as a first-half substitute against Dynamos, following Hagiazo Magaya’s injury, and controlled the midfield with the aplomb of a veteran.
He swung in the cross that was headed home by the impressive Garikai Dematsika.
Manokore, Magaya and Mbongeni “Mbola” Ndlovu, are some of the old faces still starting at FC Platinum.
The Zvishavane miners have added onto their roster players like Trevor Bhunu, Malawian defender Maxwell Paipi and ex-GreenFuel star Dematsika.
Pint-sized winger Oscar Bhebhe and striker Wilfred Muvirimi are also still at Pure Platinum Play.
“It’s been a bit different now that we have a new gaffer and we need to adjust to a different system.
“But it’s just a difference in approach because I feel it’s the same tactics like passing the ball around and keeping possession with the intention to go forward,” Manokore spoke on Lupahla’s philosophy.
“It’s about creating a lot of scoring opportunities and eventually convert them.
“That’s the style we are trying to come up with.
“As a group we are trying to push. Every training session is an opportunity to learn and grasp new things,” Manokore told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
He came on as a 29th minute substitute, with the scores at 0-0 and ended up creating FC Platinum’s solitary strike in the 45th minute.
Manokore also made a number of interceptions.
“I had to settle quickly and help the team.
“Central midfield is a position I enjoy so it’s a positive for me to play that role.
“I have playing attributes that I learnt from Lloyd Chitembwe at CAPS United and Mapeza here at FC Platinum and now I am learning from coach Joe (Lupahla).
“I am sure my game will improve now that I am back as a central midfielder because I will play to my strength,” added the Norton bred Manokore.
FC Platinum will host MWOS at Mandava on Sunday hoping to register their third win of the season.
The former champions have two wins, four draws and one loss from their opening seven games of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
“Collectively the target is to win every game and then go for the gold prize.
“The vibe is good in the team and we feel it’s high time we go for the title again. As an individual I have my own ambitions which I will try to work on,” said Manokore.
