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Lloyd Mutasa

Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
Shabanie Mine . . . . . . .0
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . 0THERE was no winner this time in the Zvishavane derby as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League contest between Shabanie Mine and FC Platinum fizzled into a goalless affair at Maglas yesterday.

Although both teams had chances to wrap up the game, they failed to convert the opportunities that came their way.

Shabanie who had the edge in overall exchanges also found a stumbling block in outstanding FC Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari who denied them a goal with some good goalkeeping.

His opposite number Victor “Maoko” Twaliki also did well in the last minute to deny an effort by young Blessing Sahondo in the 89th minute.

Platinum fielded returning striker Benjamin Marere who proved that he still possesses good ball skills but was kept under guard by veteran defender Zvenyika Makonese who had the crowd on their feet.

Godknows Murwira could have opened the scores for Shabanie as early as the 19th minute but his shot in the box was tipped over the bar for a corner by the alert Mhari.
Marvellous Dikinya denied his side maximum points when he was spotted outside the box by Xolani Ncube but he skied his effort in the 40th minute.

The hosts were then awarded a free-kick outside the box in the 64th minute by Bulawayo based referee Thembinkosi Sibanda who had a good afternoon.

Smart Muchabayiwa took the responsibility but with Mhari a well beaten man his effort crashed on the crossbar.

FC Platinum were however, dealt a major blow in the 45th minute when influential captain and their midfield creative hub Thabani Kamusoko got injured on the back as he tried to turn.

Shabanie Mine players were jittery and a number of them were off form especially Dikinya, Douglas Sibanda, Allen Tavarwisa and Godknows Murwira who surprised a number of fans by lasting the entire match.

The draw was somewhat a relief for under pressure FC Platinum coach Lloyd Mutasa.

“We could have won it but we failed to convert our chances in the last minute but such is football. We needed the creative hub of Thabani (Kamusoko) but unfortunately he got injured,” said Mutasa.  His counterpart John Phiri described the derby as competitive and a good match. Allen was not himself and experience was lacking, especially on Douglas and Marvellous. I do not have depth in my team but I am happy that my players are improving with each outing,” Phiri said.