By Sports writer
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza feels the 1-0 victory over Highlanders can breathe life into his side’s title charge.
Pure Platinum Play had endured a difficult patch which saw them losing ground in the Castle Lager Premier league title race.
Ahead of this week’s matches, the platinum miners were nine points behind log leaders Simba Bhora.
However, a first half goal from Panashe Mutimbanyoka made the difference and cut back the gap to seven points.
This was aided by log leaders, Simba Bhora dropping points in a goalless draw away to Ngezi Platinum Stars.
And Mapeza now wants the Zvishavane side to build on this victory and challenge Simba Bhora for the title.
“I think we are coming from a very difficult phase,” Mapeza said.
“Not taking anything away from Highlanders they did well in the second half.”
“And with a bit of luck could have scored, they had some big opportunities.”
Added Mapeza: “Well done to my boys in terms of managing the game situations we were on top of everything today especially in the first half.
“After the last games were we did not get positive results, the guys were pushing and we were waiting for this moment.”
BOSSO’S POOR DEFENSIVE SHOW
Highlanders coach, Kelvin Kaindu had no kind words for his defenders, whom he felt could have done better.
“Our biggest challenge has been our defence,” said the Zambian.
“We haven’t defended well, even the goal we conceded, we could have done better.
“I think we have given away soft goals this season including this one. That has been our challenge, the inability to defend well consistently.”
Kaindu however, was pleased with how his side responded after conceding in the first half.
“It was a very tough match, a game of two halves, the first belonged to them and they managed to get a goal,”he said.
“Second half we saw how they were playing and we changed our tactics with a bit of luck we could have scored.”
Saul Chaminuka made an emotional return to Kariba as he guided Green Fuel to a 1-0 win over ZPC Kariba.
Veteran striker Donald Ngoma scored just after the half hour mark to boost the side’s chances of surviving relegation.
“An emotional return for me, this is my home, I marked this ground,” Chaminuka said.
“I was happy winning here, I think that should signal we are here to fighting one more day.”
ZPC Kariba coach Newman Chitewe was left short of words on his side’s poor form at home.
“It honestly is a mystery to me how we are failing to win at home, I don’t know what’s wrong,” Chitewe decried.
“Away we play so well and win, it is at home that we struggle I am confused.
