Mapeza goes berserk

Temperamental FC PLATINUM coach Norman Mapeza went ballistic following his side's 2-1 loss to Harare City.

The platinum miners' lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premiership table has now been cut to one point ahead of second-placed Highlanders, who beat Chapungu 0-1 at Ascot Stadium.

Mapeza was uncontrollable at the final whistle charging towards the match officials and was only restrained by marshals and police.

Mapeza was largely protesting against Harare City's second goal scored by William Manondo in the 67th minute to add to Grey Kufandada's first half strike.

Although he was far away in his technical area in the visitors' dugout, Mapeza claimed Manondo was in an offside position when he secured the three points for the Sunshine Boys.

After the match, Mapeza tried to defend his actions.

"Sometimes after the game you need some clarity. I was checking on the second goal, I thought the guy was offside and I think I have got the right to go and ask him," he said.

"I'm disappointed we lost the match but life goes on and we will keep working and see how the season progresses.

"I have never said anything about referees but today I'm not happy with the way they handled our game.

"That's the most important thing. There are still four more games to go and like I always say - you can plan for tomorrow but you can never know what tomorrow brings.

"We also want to win this championship but you never know what will happen after these four games. We just need to have faith.

"It was difficult after losing (Gerald) Takwara in the first 20 minutes. It was always going to be difficult although I thought the decision was very harsh but what can you say, the referee was close to the action and that's football."

The platinum miners had to play the game with 10-men after their midfield enforcer Takwara was sent off following a crude tackle on City youngster Tatenda Tumba after only 16 minutes.

Mapeza's side only came back into the match very late when Walter Musona scored from a free kick but there was no time to find an equaliser.

Harare City coach Moses Chunga was pleased with the result.

"I'm very happy with how we played today. It was an all-round performance from the lads," he said.

"We deserved to win and I think that red card was justified. It was a bad tackle on the young man and the referee was spot on. We are now looking forward to our next match and we just need to work hard."

Harare City started with their big hitters like Ronald Chitiyo and Raphael Manuvire on the bench much to the surprise of those who had come to watch the match.

However, Sunshine Boys' youngsters refused to be intimidated by the log leaders - playing with intent.

Musona wasted an early scoring opportunity when he directed his effort wide after he found himself unmarked following a square ball from William Stima.

City surged ahead in the 13th minute after Kufandada connected a Tumba cross to beat FC Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari.

With City imposing themselves in midfield, Takwara was given his marching orders moments later for a bad tackle on Tumba, who had to be substituted in the first half.

And from there onwards it was Harare City all over. The hosts could have added to their lead but FC Platinum had their goalkeeper to thank for producing some crucial saves.

The second half was no different as City kept the visitors on the back foot. They doubled their lead when Manondo tapped in a Chitiyo cross much to the disapproval of Mapeza.

City came close to adding more goals with Martin Vengesai, Farai Madhanaga all coming close.

Musona then got the consolation for FC Platinum two minutes into time added-on with a beautiful free kick from the edge of the box.