Bruce Chikuni
SIMBA Bhora coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, has downplayed the suggestion that FC Platinum are now down and out of the Premiership race.
The defending champions suffered a second successive home defeat, falling 1-2 to Simba Bhora on Saturday.
FC Platinum lost to Sheasham the previous weekend.
Some home fans were not impressed on Saturday and voiced their concern after the final whistle as FC Platinum are now 12 points off the pace.
On Saturday, Ndiraya’s men proved too good for Norman Mapeza’s side, as Tinashe ‘Maswera’ Balakasi and Taimon Machope powered Simba Bhora to a 2-1 win.
Others are already concluding that this is the end of FC Platinum’s dominance, as they are chasing a history making fifth championship in a row.
The club’s chief striker, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, has netted once in this campaign and Walter Musona is doing little to make the difference.
But, Simba Bhora coach, Ndiraya feels that putting an end to this misery will be a light mission for Mapeza.
He insisted that it’s just a matter of time before the champions find their rhythm.
“Apart from this victory for us, FC Platinum are a good side. They play good football, they create chances and they are everything you would want in a team,” said Ndiraya.
“So, when you win against such a good team, it gives you joy and you always expect them to be a dominant side when you play them.
“Coach Mapeza has a lot of experience, I’m sure this is small for him. He will fix this and I’m convinced he will find solutions.”
Mapeza’s passion to retain the championship doesn’t seem to be fading either.
He insisted that his men are still in the marathon.
“We are playing good football and conceding soft goals, but we don’t have to give up. We still have to fight, it’s still game on,” said Mapeza.
“I don’t want to fault anyone, our situation is very painful, but we have to soldier on and I will take the blame for these results.”