FC Platinum, Byo City in crucial wins

AN 88th minute strike by Lawrence Mhlanga, who punished Bulawayo Chiefs for sloppy defending granted FC Platinum maximum points against a fighting Bulawayo Chiefs in a Premier Soccer League match at Mandava Stadium yesterday.

It was a heart-breaking goal for Chiefs to concede since Amakhosi Amahle had managed to claim dominance in the second half having played second fiddle to the hosts who enjoyed superior ball possession in the first stanza. The victory meant the platinum miners opened a five point lead over second placed Chicken Inn who play Tenax in Rusape this afternoon. It was also sweet music to the Zvishavane side after other title contenders Dynamos lost to Cranborne Bullets 1-0 in Rusape.

In the bottom of the table clash, Bulawayo City continued with quest for survival after beating fellow strugglers Whawha 3-1 at Barbourfields Stadium. It was the fourth win for Amakhosi, the third under coach Farai Tawachera who succeeded Philani “Beefy” Ncube at the beginning of May. The victory means City have collected all the six points on offer in two matches after they triumphed 1-0 over Manica Diamonds in Mutare last Sunday.

Dalubuhle Dlodlo, Genius Mutungamiri and Melikhaya Ncube (penalty), scored for the hosts while Whawha scored through Calum English-Brown, the much talked about player with a spectacular goal from a free kick taken outside the box.