Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NORMAN Mapeza has been applauding his squad’s resilience, especially in a gruelling spell of fixtures that could define their season.
FC Platinum pulled off a rare feat last week, collecting nine points in just seven days. They remain unbeaten after 22 games, still the only team yet to lose in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
They edged Green Fuel 1-0 in Chisumbanje on Saturday, just three days after beating Kwekwe United 2-1 at Mandava. That midweek win had followed a 2-0 dismantling of MWOS away at Ngoni.
Their latest result stretched the unbeaten streak to 22. Now, Mapeza’s men are one game away from matching the Highlanders’ long standing record of 23 league matches without defeat, set in 2012.
Bosso’s run has stood for 13 years, but FC Platinum’s current form has sparked talk they might go one better, finishing the season unbeaten and drawing comparisons with Arsenal’s famed “Invincibles.”
Highlanders’ historic streak lasted 180 days, from April 1, when they hammered Blue Rangers 4-0 at Barbourfields, to September 29, when they finally fell 3-0 to Monomotapa at Rufaro. That side was led by Zambian coach Kelvin “KK” Kaindu.
Now it’s Mapeza at the helm of a similarly dominant force.
Pure Platinum Play haven’t lost a match since the 2025 campaign kicked off on March 1. They’ve scored 23 goals and conceded just eight, boasting the league’s meanest defence.
Former Highlanders vice-captain Mbongeni “Mbola” Ndlovu has struck up a solid centre back partnership with Malawian Nickson Nyasulu, anchoring that defensive record.
“I am proud of the boys, they have worked so hard,” Mapeza told reporters after the Green Fuel win.
But FC Platinum’s historic charge faces a serious threat this weekend.
Scottland, a club transformed under Tonderai Ndiraya, visit Mandava on Saturday hoping to end the miners’ unbeaten run, and keep their own title push on track.
The match has quickly become the biggest fixture of the season.
Mabviravira, as Scottland are known, sit second on the table with 43 points, just one behind log leaders, Simba Bhora. They’ve won four on the bounce and are pushing for a fifth.
There’s now greater cohesion in the Scottland squad, which previously looked like a group of talented individuals playing in isolation. The likes of Walter Musona, Mthokozisi Msebe and Tymon Machope are clicking more fluidly, while new mid-season signings have added firepower.
Terrence Dzvukamanja and Khuda Muyaba have already made key contributions, Dzvukamanja scoring a brace in the 2-1 win over Highlanders, and Muyaba grabbing the winner in a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Bikita Minerals.
Ndiraya has also used his squad wisely, turning his big guns into impact players off the bench. Against Yadah, he introduced Musona, Msebe and Machope at halftime, and the change paid off, Machope scored the game’s only goal as Scottland picked up another crucial win.
Momentum is clearly on their side, and it’s been boosted further by the return of former Warriors skipper Knowledge Musona, who was unveiled on Monday and is expected to make his PSL debut in the clash.
Musona’s arrival has electrified the league, and reunited him with longtime attacking partner, Khama Billiat. His younger brother, Walter, is also part of the Scottland squad.
“I think the whole nation must be excited to watch Knowledge in our Premier League,” said Ndiraya.
“The fact that he decided to come back and play in our league is a very huge plus.”
Ndiraya is eyeing back-to-back titles, having led Simba Bhora to glory last season. A win at Mandava would elevate Scottland’s challenge, and add weight to the hype around their big name signings.
FC Platinum, though, have their eyes on more than three points. Saturday is also about matching history, and showing that this isn’t just a good run. It’s a statement season.
