Leaders FC Platinum, Bosso march on

By Eddie Chikamhi

FC Platinum and Highlanders underlined their quality when they collected maximum points in tough away assignments at the weekend to maintain a fine start at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.

Last year’s Golden Boot winner Nelson Maziwisa, who is enjoying a flying start, scored a brace to hand FC Platinum their third win in a 2-1 victory over Black Mambas at Morris Depot.

The ambitious Zvishavane side, who narrowly missed the championship on goal difference in their debut season in 2011, have started on a promising note this year after winning all three matches and ascending to the top of the table with nine points.

The club’s new management, led by George Mawere would definitely want a change of fortunes following a poor finish in the previous campaign where they struggled for seventh place despite their huge investment in players.

New coach Tennant Chilumba, who opened his account with a 2-1 win over Buffaloes and then followed that up with a 4-1 thumping of How Mine at Mandava last week, will be satisfied with the progress, especially with six of their nine points coming from away games.

Chilumba yesterday said he was happy with the team spirit at FC Platinum.

“I can only give credit to the players because they are focused and know exactly what they want to achieve.

We have started well and I have been telling them that we need maximum concentration from the first game up to the last match of the season.

“Sometimes these players need to be motivated. Besides, I advise them to watch European football more often because the game is dynamic. At the end of the day we all need good results as a club and they do not come on a silver platter.

“We have to work hard for them,” said Chilumba.

Highlanders also managed to keep their winning record intact as they brushed aside a tough challenge from Gishon Ntini’s Triangle at Gibbo thanks to Masimba Mambare’s late strike.

Leftback Bruce Kangwa had given them the lead earlier on before Willard Gondo levelled terms for the newboys and, as the match appeared headed for a draw, Mambare was on target to make the difference with about five minutes of play remaining.

The victory, however, was marred by the expulsion of coach Kelvin Kaindu was shown a red card for remonstrating with the referee. Kaindu believes Triangle gave them their most difficult test from the three games they have played.

“It’s a good thing for us to pick up the points in all our games but I would like to think that Triangle are a good side. Getting maximum points there was an achievement for us and if they continue with that spirit they will finish somewhere in top eight.

“But I would like to thank God for everything he is doing for Highlanders. It’s still a long way to go, though. But if you look at it last year we had seven points after three games and this year it’s nine, so we have every reason to be happy.

“However, it looks like it’s going to be a long season because of the competition. There has been some fantastic football played to date and the race at this stage appears open for all,” said Kaindu. Chicken Inn were also on the winning side when they beat Tripple B 1-0 at Luveve through Tendai Ndoro’s strike to maintain their place on third place.

Chicken Inn, who began the season on a high note by winning the NetOne Charity Shield, are also unbeaten with seven points from three starts.

Harare City moved into the top four when they humiliated hosts Motor Action 4-0 with goals from Osbourne Mukuradare, Trymore Nyamadzawo and a brace by William Manondo.

It might be early to talk about the championship race at this point but indications this year point to an exciting competition, with Dynamos’ reign under a serious threat. DeMbare faltered in their first two games when they drew against Black Mambas and Chicken Inn.

They will travel to Zvishavane tomorrow to face Shabanie Mine.

“We are saying to the guys let’s go out there and win our league matches. Now that we are out of the Champions League we should have to concentrate on the local league championship.

“We have got some of the guys who didn’t play (on Sunday), mainly strikers, and maybe we would need to balance the team,” said Pasuwa. Their traditional rivals CAPS United notched up their second win in as many games when they edged army side Black Rhinos 2-1 at Rufaro.

Makepekepe, who are under caretaker coach Brenna Msiska, have shown great spirit as they responded to the early setback of losing their opening match to Harare City by beating Motor Action and Rhinos to take their points tally to six. The Herald