FC Platinum . . . (2)4 Shabanie Mine . . . (1) 1
Mukudzei Chingwere in Zvishavane
FC Platinum stormed into the finals of the CG Msipa Charity tournament after knocking out bitter town rival Shabanie Mine at Mandava yesterday.
They will now meet Premiership returnees Chapungu who beat Highlanders 2-0 in yet another semifinal in Gweru.
Goals from new signing Njabulo Ncube, Tarisai Rukanda and a brace by Marshal Mudewe sealed victory for the platinum miners with Victor Twaliki scoring the asbestos miners’ face saver from a penalty after Gift Bello had handled in the box.
It was a result that owed a lot to the brilliance of Mudewe who played a blinder before registering his name on the score sheet twice. Platinum surged into an early lead after 24 minutes when Ncube opened the scoring. Three minutes before the breather, Shabanie Mine levelled matters with Twaliki converting from the spot. Two minutes later, Rukanda restored Platinum’s lead when he headed home a beauty. After the breather Mudewe scored twice in the 83rd and 90th minutes.
The losing coach John Phiri was satisfied with his preparations for the new season despite being booted out of the competition.
“I am satisfied with the performance. It gives me the starting point as we prepare for the new soccer season,” said Phiri.
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Lloyd Mutasa was happy and emphasised on the importance of winning a derby but was cautious ahead of the finals against Chapungu.
“It is always good to win a derby match. Chapungu are a very confident side with a good coach John Nyikadzino who is doing very well,” said Mutasa.
Last year FC Platinum won the trophy after beating Shabanie Mine and they hope to retain the cup this year.
