Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
A NUMBER of Castle Lager Premier Soccer League teams on Saturday had to chance to take a sneak peak on defending champions FC Platinum and last year’s Chibuku Super Cup winners Bulawayo Chiefs when the two locked horns in the Castle Challenge Cup tie played at Mandava Stadium.
Pure Platinum Play won the match 2-0 courtesy of beautiful strikes by Panashe Mutimbanyoka and enterprising new signing Jarrison Selemani.
Mandava Stadium was filled with excitement as Pure Platinum Play produced their fourth top drawer performance on the trot in the Challenge Cup, a competition that they have dominated since its inception.
The who’s who of Zimbabwean football was in attendance.
Highlanders’ technical team members that included head coach Baltemar José de Oliveira Brito, newly appointed assistant coach Madinda Ndlovu, assistant coaches Joel Luphahla, Antonio Torres, goalkeepers coach Daniel “Kayembe” Khumalo and team manager Vezigama Dlodlo made the trip to Zvishavane.
Bosso square off against Pure Platinum Play in match day three of the new season.
Chicken Inn head coach Prince Matore, his first assistant Farai Tawarechera and the club’s match analyst Gary Muchakata also watched the grand finale.
Matore reckoned Bulawayo Chiefs were too self-contained.
“It was a good match but I did not see much from Bulawayo Chiefs, they were reserved. FC Platinum played well with no pressure,” said Matore, whose Gamecocks charges recently concluded their four-day bonding camp in Hwange and Victoria Falls.
Manica Diamonds gaffer Jairos Tapera also witnessed the cup tie that marked the start of the 2023 domestic football season with the league action set to get underway on Saturday.
FC Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza said it was a massive result for them but they still have to work on their finishing.
“We had great opportunities but we lacked in the final third. We need to work on our cutting edge. We now know where to start, where to polish up. Bulawayo Chiefs are a good side, they can always do better. Give them five to 10 games, they will be something else,” said Mapeza.
Under the guidance of Lizwe Sweswe, a former Talen Vision mentor, Bulawayo Chiefs are on a rebuilding exercise.
Only six players, skipper Malvin Mkolo, Obriel Chirinda, Panashe Shoko, Mthokozisi Msebe, Felix Moyo and Billy Veremu, who were with Amakhosi Amahle last season started, combining well with new arrivals.
Sweswe gave club debuts to goalkeeper Issa Ali, former Manica Diamonds player Rodrick Mufudza, veteran forward Kuda Musharu, William Stima and ex national team holding midfielder Danny “Deco” Phiri.
Stima played the opening 10 minutes before picking up an injury and was replaced by Ben Nyahunzwi who had a decent game as a centre back. Dalubuhle Dlodlo and Last Jesi were introduced deep into the second stanza.
“I think we will do our best when the season starts. We made too many mistakes when we conceded those goals. This was the first match so concentration levels are still low,” said Sweswe.
-@FungaiMuderere
Online Reporter