Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Scottland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 3
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
SO hungry for more success is Norman Mapeza that he wants Scottland to win every competition, even if the league organisers were to bring back the Madison Cup.
Mabvirarira stormed into the Chibuku Super Cup quarter finals with a commanding 3-1 victory over FC Platinum at Rufaro yesterday.
“We need to win every competition, even if they bring back the Madison Cup,” stressed Mapeza, a four time league championship winner.
Mapeza also won multiple Chibuku Super Cup and Castle Challenge Cups during his time at FC Platinum.
Yesterday, the revered gaffer made four changes to his regular starting line-up, but the rampaging Mabvirarira still managed to steamroll past Pure Platinum Play.
The victory kept Mabvirarira’s hopes of a domestic treble alive.
Mabvirarira are now in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter finals, a few days after they booked a place in the last 16 of the lucrative Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
They are sitting on top of the PSL standings with 53 points, two ahead of HardRock going into the last eight rounds of the season.
Two first half goals from the impressive Moses Shidolo and Mthokozisi Msebe ensured the PSL champions went to the break leading 2-1.
Mason Mushore had pulled one back for Pure Platinum Play.
Khama Billiat then made it 3-1 with a glancing header eight minutes into the second half.
Mapeza rested four regular starters – goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, Peter Muduhwa and the Musona brothers Knowledge and Walter – but his side still put on a commanding show.
The gaffer revealed that he is trying to manage the players’ game time ahead of the CAF Champions League and the Premier Soccer League home run.
“We just have to manage the situation,” said Mapeza.
Namibian star midfielder Shidolo thrust Scottland ahead with a scorching shot from outside the box after only eight minutes.
Msebe doubled the lead in the 30th minute, heading home a teasing cross from Emmanuel Ziocha.
FC Platinum’s mid-season signing Mushore halved the deficit five minutes from halftime with a well drilled grounder that gave Talbert Shumba no chance.
With the crowd still settling after the halftime break, Billiat timed his header to perfection, beating FC Platinum keeper Manfred Ekoi.
Eswatini left back Kwakhe Twala provided the assist. It was not totally a one-sided affair as FC
Platinum carved their own chances. They had two one versus one situations which they failed to capitalise on.
Oscar Bhebhe and Namibian striker Isaskar Gurirab were the culprits.
Second half substitute Abram Mbakondja missed a free header.
Scottland introduced Brazilian import Anderson De Campos in the dying minutes and forward almost made an immediate impact with a nice free kick that was unfortunately wasted.
Last season Scottland crashed out in the quarter finals, after losing 2-1 on penalties against Highlanders at Barbourfields.
Yesterday’s win was a morale booster ahead of Wednesday’s blockbuster league clash against Dynamos.
“We shift focus to the league game on Wednesday,” said Mapeza, who was not happy with how his side conceded late in the first.
“There were some moments, especially in the first half, where we didn’t do well.
“If you look at that situation where we conceded that goal, of course, the players thought it was a foul, but you can’t stop playing.
“From that situation, we ended up conceding.
“Those things are going to happen when we play in the Caf Champions League.
“The same situations will happen, so we need to be ready for that,” said Mapeza.
Scottland are yet to lose to FC Platinum since gaining promotion last season.
They have met thrice in the league with Scottland winning one while the other two ended in draws.
FC Platinum coach Moses Mwafulirwa was not happy with the way his charges missed chances.
“We are obviously very disappointed. We didn’t do well today.
“We didn’t play well, especially in the first half,” said the FC Platinum coach.
Added Mwafulirwa: “If you see the goals which we have conceded, when you are playing a team with quality like Scotland. You don’t have to give them much room.”
