ZVISHAVANE - Norman Mapeza began his reign as the new FC Platinum coach with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bantu Rovers in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup at Mandava Stadium yesterday.
Mapeza, who took at Mandava to replace Lloyd Mutasa last week, quickly paid tribute to the FC Platinum fans and the Zvishavane community for embracing him.
“It’s a good start for me and I’m very pleased with that. I would want to thank the local community for the warm welcome. The boys were also awesome they showed so much confidence,” said Mapeza after the match.
With so much optimism and expectations following Mapeza's appointment, FC Platinum started brightly with Benjamin Marere hitting the upright just after kick-off.
Marere had profited from a parry by Bantu goalkeeper Nkosilathi Mlalazi, who had spilled a header by Ashley Mukwenya.
The home side continued to dominate but they could not find the breakthrough.
Platinum returned for the second half with more purpose and were in the lead two minutes after the break.
Fullback Quadr Amin scored the opener from the spot after veteran Bantu defender Hebert Dick had handled inside the box.
The goal seemed to instil some impetus into the platinum miners attack as Mukwenya got the second in the 53rd minute.
Mlalazi’s poor clearance was intercepted by Michelle Katsvairo, who released Mukwenya to score with a rising shot.
Bantu were unfazed by the two quick goals as they took control of the match for a longer period but failed to breach the Platinum defence.
Defender Aaron Katebe, who had a brilliant afternoon at the heart of the Platinum backline, scored the third with a wonderful finish in added time.
Katebe scored with a delightful diving header when he got to the end of a Raymond Sibanda corner kick.
Bantu Rovers coach Methembe Ndlovu was pleased by his team's display despite the defeat.
“The youngsters played well. We had some changes to the team but still those who played today did a fantastic job. I don’t want to give excuses, Platinum played well and converted their chances,” said Ndlovu.