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Ngqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
Tsholotsho FC ………………. 0
FC Platinum …………………. 0
FC Platinum stuttered in their title chasing quest when they were held to a goalless draw by Tsholotsho in a lukewarm Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Luveve Stadium yesterday. Both coaches were, however, content with the result with Tsholotsho’s Lizwe Sweswe saying the point earned would come in handy in the relegation dog fight while Norman Mapeza called it a “golden point” that would prove crucial.
While second placed FC Platinum dominated play for longer periods, lack of creativity in the final third saw them failing to find the all important goal while Tsholotsho also created several chances but could not find the back of the net.
Tsholotsho had calls for a penalty dismissed in the 64th minute by referee Allen Bhasvi when Simbarashe Gorogodyo seemed to have been brought down inside the box after making several exchanges with Kudzanai Machazane but it was the Zhwane striker who was booked for simulation much to the chagrin of the Tsholotsho supporters who had rare backers in the form of Dynamos fans.
Machazane could have made the difference on the stroke of full time with a screaming grounder but FC Platinum goalkeeper, Petros Mhari was at hand to stop the shot.
Sweswe said a point would come in handy in their fight to remain in the Premiership. He blamed his players for failing to convert the chances they made upfront saying they need to convert those opportunities if they are to bag more games.
Tsholotsho remain rooted on 13th position with 22 points. Former Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu made his maiden appearance on the Tsholotsho bench as assistant to Sweswe.
Mapeza said his players lacked the “killer instinct” in the final third but was happy with the way they performed.
“I am happy we managed to keep a clean sheet and stretched the number of games in which we haven’t lost, I am happy with the massive point,” said Mapeza, who refused to be drawn into commenting on the championship saying it was still a long way to be decided. FC Platinum have so far amassed 45 points and trail log leaders Chicken Inn by four points but are ahead of defending champions Dynamos by three points.
Teams
Tsholotsho: N Marichi, M Phiri, N Moyo, T Ncube, W Stima, B Ncube, S Gorogodyo, K Chitiyo (D Dzvinyai, 89th), J Luphahla (K Machazane, 56th), N Gama (T Jaravani, 66th), L Chikuhwa
FC Platinum: P Mhari, I Nekati, G Bello, K Moyo, E Moyo, W Mhango, W Kamudyariwa, T Dzumbunu, T Mudehwe (E Mandiranga, 66th), B Muzondiwa, O Chirwa (S Sibanda, 83rd).
Online Reporter