adminPaul Mundandi Zvishavane Correspondent
Shabanie Mine 0-0 FC Platinum
THE Zvishavane Castle Premiership derby ended in a goalless draw when both sides failed to convert the chances that came their way with FC Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari denying Shabanie Mine a chance to score with some great goalkeeping.
His opposite number Victor “Maoko” Twaliki also did well in the last minute to deny an effort by young Blessing Sahondo in the 89th minute. Platinum fielded Benjamin Marere who proved that he still possesses good ball skills but was kept under guard by veteran Zvenyika Makonese who had the crowd on their feet.
Godknows Murwira could have opened the scoresheet for Shabanie as early as the 19th minute but his shot in the box was tipped over the bar for a corner by the alert Mhari.
Marvellous Dikinya denied his side maximum points when he was spotted outside the box by Xolani Ncube but he skied his effort in the 40th minute.
The hosts were then awarded a freekick outside the box in the 64th minute by Bulawayo based referee, Thembinkosi Sibanda, who had a good afternoon in his first year in the Premiership following his promotion to the Zifa panel.
Smart Muchabayiwa took the responsibility but with Mhari a well beaten man his effort crashed on the crossbar.
FC Platinum were however dealt a major blow in the in the 45th minute when Thabani Kamusoko got injured on the back as he tried to turn. It then killed the attacking options of the platinum miners.
Shabanie Mine players were jittery and a number of them were off form especially Dikinya, Douglas Sibanda, Allen Tavarwisa and Godknows Murwira who surprised a number of fans by lasting the entire match.
The draw by Platinum was a relief to Lloyd Mutasa.
“We could have won it but we failed to convert our chances in the last minute but such is football. We needed the creative hub of Thabani (Kamusoko) but unfortunately he got injured. Marere showed good character and also by playing at Maglas we were home,” said Mutasa.
His counterpart John Phiri described the derby as competitive and a good match.
“Mhari was very good for the cautious team. Allen was not himself and experience was lacking especially on Douglas and Marvellous. I do not have depth in my team but I am happy that my players are improving with each outing,” he said.
Teams
Shabanie Mine: V Twaliki, D Sibanda, H Masambuko, Z Makonese, R Mware, M Dikinya, X Ncube, A Tavarwisa (T Kabanmda 89th minute), C Messi (T Mtombeni 65th minute), G Murwira
FC Platinum: P Mhari, R Muduviwa, S Shoko, T Kamusoko (T Rukanda 46th minute), E Moyo, A Gahadzikwa, G Bello, M Katsvairo, A Katebe, B Marere, R Sibanda (B Sahondo 58th minute )
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