Onward Gangata in GWERU
FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza has challenged his senior players to provide guidance to the younger players in order for the miners to have a successful campaign this season.
The former league champions have experienced an indifferent start to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
After nine matches, they sit fifth on the log standings with 15 points, four behind leaders Highlanders.
The four-time league champions’ form took a nosedive last month when they won only one out of a possible five matches, losing twice and drawing twice.
On Saturday, FC Platinum put an end to that poor run of form with a 1-0 win over Greenfuel.
Midfielder, Rainsome Pavari, who was captaining the Zvishavane side, scored the all-important goal.
“These are senior players, some of them have been here for more than five years, they know what should be done,” said Mapeza.
Mapeza threw in youngster, Anesu Chirinda, in the starting eleven, together with defender Bothwell Nzori, who was making his debut.
“Anesu needs guidance, I can do that in training but it is the duty of the seniors to tell him when to attack, when to defend and at times in the first half that guidance was not there.
“If we throw in a youngster, the senior players should guide him because they know exactly what we need to do, where the youngster has to be.
“I can’t keep shouting from the bench, I will end up confusing the young boys. The captain and senior players should take my place on the pitch.”
He added:
“If you look at our points tally, we are not far away from those guys at the top, we have the three points from the CAPS game.
“I am not saying we should be given the points but if we do get the points then we are not far away from teams on top of us.”
Pavari, who is one of the seasoned players at FC Platinum, said:
“With years of experience we understand that victory and defeat are simply part of the game. This allows us to navigate the ups and downs with resilience.
“As seasoned players we know that each outcome, whether a win or a loss, offers valuable lessons that help us grow and improve,” said Pavari.