Collen Nikisi, FC Platinum Correspondent
FC Platinum edged Ngezi Platinum 2-1, thanks to second half strikes from Innocent Mucheneka and Rainsome Pavari.
With the victory FC Platinum secured top spot in Chibuku Super Cup Group 4 and earned the right to remain at Mandava for the quarterfinal clash against Highlanders.
More importantly the win over Ngezi was Pure Platinum’s first victory over Madamburo in the Chibuku Super Cup.
In 2016, Ngezi beat FC Platinum 3-1 in the final and and in a Group game played in May Fc Platinum lost 2-1.
FC Platinum writer Collen Nikisi picked out five things learnt from the encounter.
1) FC Platinum beginning to click into top gear
Coach Norman Mapeza shuffled his pack. Gift Mbweti, Kelvin Madzongwe, Brian Banda and Silas Songani were rested.
In the first half the team struggled for offensive cohesion as Ngezi closed shop. Everything changed in the second half with a brilliant attacking display.
Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Teguru, Mucheneka, Pavari, Ngwenya and Chinyengetere all linked up with each other to great effect.
It was 2-1 to FC Platinum after 90min, but it really could have been a lot more.
2) Lawrence Mhlanga’s return a big boost for FC Platinum
The central defender has struggled with injuries, however he completed his comeback this week, earning his first start in the Chibuku Super Cup.
Mhlanga produced a good display and showed tremendous improvement with the ball on his feet.
3) Dhlakama brave enough to make big calls
Rodwell Dhlakama’s team were 1-0 down inside 70 minutes and staring down the barrel.
However instead of sitting back and accepting defeat, Dhlakama made two changes, which really gave the home side more impetus heading into the second stanza.
An out of sorts Denver Mukamba was withdrawn and replaced by Anelka Chivandire, while Macdonald Makuwe replaced Valentine Kadonzvo
Chivandire, in particular, gave Madamburo an added dimension, and his cross led to the hand ball offence and equalizing goal from the penalty spot.
4) FC Platinum showed character
After Ngezi Platinum got the equaliser in the 79th minute, Pure Platinum Play dug deeper and threw everything at the opponent leading to the winner in the 84th minute.
The boys had shown great strength and character in a testing derby.
Psychologically and mentally the guys are now in the zone.
5) Mapeza’s experience will prove vital
FC Platinum embark on yet another mammoth Chibuku Super Cup and League campaign, it is clear that Mapeza’s experience knowing when and how to rotate his squad could prove a deciding factor over the next few months.
In addition, his ability to get the best out of his players while improving them is a big plus.
His infusion of young players to the team has resulted in higher energy levels and competition.
The team is more focused at training. How you train is how you play!
It is work in progress and the positives are there to see. Bring it on Bosso we are ready!
