FC Platinum’s bid for a fifth league title got off to a good start after the Zvishavane-based side secured all three points in the Platinum Derby. 

Michael Shoko in Mhondoro-Ngezi

Norman Mapeza’s men had a narrow win against debutants Chegutu Pirates on matchday 1 and an emphatic 2-0 victory against Ngezi Platinum served as a reminder of their strength.

However, for Takesure Chiragwi, his defence of the title hasn’t begun in the manner the young gaffer would have preferred, having picked up just one point in two games.

Ngezi settled in quicker than the visitors, displaying an early intention to secure a result.

However, it was former Harare City forward Wilfred Muvirimi who gave FC Platinum the lead in the 7th minute, heading in Oscar Bhebhe’s corner-kick, which marked the first shot on target in the match.

The quality of the two platinum teams was evident, reflecting the shrewdness of the two coaches as they exhibited a good brand of football.

Claude Mapoka came close to providing Ngezi with the equalizer in the 35th minute, but his close-range header safely landed in the hands of Magalane.

Ngezi returned from the break as a supercharged team, besieging Platinum’s goal in search of an equaliser.

 Their best chance to restore parity came in the 59th minute when Murasiranwa’s deceptive shot from inside the box hit the left upright post before bouncing back into play.

However, Muvirimi extinguished any hopes of a comeback for Ngezi as he beat his opponents on the left flank before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the net and his brace sealed the victory for FC Platinum.

Ngezi Coach Takesure Chiragwi’s triple substitutions, which introduced reigning soccer star of the year Qadr Amin, failed to alter the outcome.

Despite the loss, Chiragwi believes his side played one of their best games yet.

“This is one of the best games that we have played and where we have thrown everything into a game. I think we were better at keeping possession and how we were attacking. We did everything, but sometimes you have to give credit to the opponents and admit that it wasn’t just your day.”