FC Platinum . . . . . . (1) 1 How Mine . . . . . . . . 0 HOW MINE head coach Kelvin Kaindu tipped log leaders FC Platinum for the title following their win against his battling side in an entertaining league match at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
BY MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE
Walter Musona’s first half strike was all the miners needed to collect all sets of points.
The miners came into the duel leading the standings with a solitary point better than closest rivals CAPS United.The result means they can extend their lead to four if the Green Machine stumble against Chicken Inn today.
Losing coach Kaindu said the platinum miners were favourites for the crown warning that it was, however, still a long way to go.
“FC Platinum have been on top of the log for a very long time and for me they are the favourites to win the title this season. It is still a long way to go and anything can happen as we still have a lot of games to play; but I felt today we played well and dominated, but we were unfortunate to lose,” Kaindu said.
Norman Mapeza left everything in the hands of God, lauding Gerald Takwara’s performance as he almost single-handedly ensured they preserved their lead with some impressive display late on in the deep midfield role.
“We leave everything to God. He is the one who knows our destiny. Gerald played well in the few minutes he was on the pitch and I am happy with his and the team’s performance,” Mapeza said.
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The visitors started the match with an upper hand, but they failed to make their temporary dominance count as FC Platinum gained control of the game midway through the opening half, making some purposeful forays upfront.
The log leaders were rewarded for their efforts after half an hour of action when Musona beat an offside trap before firing his paymasters into the lead.
After the breather, the Mapeza-coached side continued from where they had left, this time adding the second proved herculean.
Second half addition Tarisai Rukanda got the best chance of the game to extend the lead, but a late intervention from big defender Victor Kamhuka kept Chikurupati — as How Mine are affectionately called by their fans — firmly in the match.
Kaindu’s charges then took control of the match midday through the second half, with Pascal Manhanga and Makundika Sakala unplayable for FC Platinum midfielders.
Mapeza brought in midfield conductor Takwara to steady the ship and the former did just that, preserving a lead which was precariously hanging by a thread.
Teams: FC Platinum– P Mhari, R Muduviwa, I Nekati, E Moyo, W Mhango, R Chinyengetere (G Takwara, 75), N Masuku, C Sibanda (G Kamudyariwa, 90), M Kawashu (T Rukanda, 56), W Musona
How Mine— M Diya, P Tonha, Q Amini (T Ranthokoane, 70), V Kamhuka T Kumbuyani, M Sakala, P Madhanhanga, H Masuku, T Rukanda (G Nguwodzawo, 59), M Ncube, K Musharu
Results at a glance: Ngezi Platinum 1-0 Bulawayo City, Tsholotsho 1-0 Border Strikers, FC Platinum 1-0 How Mine Fixtures: CAPS United v Chicken Inn (National Sports Stadium), Hwange v ZPC Kariba (Colliery), Mutare City v Triangle (Sakubva), Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields)
