By Jafferson Ndhlovu,

 

A two goal blitz in first six minutes of play was all that Platinum FC needed to be crowned champions of Zimbabwe for the first time. Beating Airforce sude Chapunngu FC 2nil at Ascot Stadium.

And Norman Mapeza then quickly, shrewdly and tactically switched his play for his boys. Shutting the doors and throwing the keys away.

With ears on the happenings in Harare between fellow title contenders Zimbabwean giants Dynamos FC taking on 2015 Champions Chicken Inn, the nerves were high.

Midfielder Masuku so alert onn the start of first half picked up the ball and spotted his partner Chinyengetere in midfield. And the recipient never disappointed and scored in the first minute of play. That must have caught Chapungu in a slumber.

Just what the doctor ordered for the moneybags Platinum Miners.

Chapungu regrouped quite immediately and forced a corner 3 minutes later, but it was wasted. The ensuing goalkick found afternoon workhorse Masuku. Who played through Mkhokheli with a beautiful ball. A loose Ali Sadiki was on hand and said thank you to Mkhokheli to put the Platinum side 2nil up within 6 minutes on the clock.

Meanwhile in Harare Dymonas FC had taken a lead through Mwerahari in the 4 minute. An early rush of goals.

Coach Norman Mapeza will probably be the happiest football person in Zimbabwe today. He has endured the attack from a section of fans in Zimbabwe. With huge investment from Mimosa Mine and quality of players at the club disposal they have failed to win the title. But they mastered something special this season

 

Platinum are arguably the best resourced team in Zimbabwe at the moment. An excellent coach, excellent players and excellent support from the club owners.

Mapeza has chocked in the last two seasons. It was even disheartening last season when suspected poor referring was at play to cost them the title that went to Harare.

Going into this match Mapeza and his boys had eliminated from the race Ngezi Platinum. Ngezi is the team that spent the longest time on top of the table. But a loss last weekend to a team and a coach they had never lost to before was a huge blow at Mandava but a catalyst for Plasto as Platinum FV are affectionately called.

The small town of Zvishavane in the Midlands province will be abuzz with excitement. Its a double of sweetness for the town. Two champions in a space of two days. Friday the newly inaugurated President of Zimbabwe Mr. Emerson Dambuzo Mnangagwa was a winner and he was born in that small town.

With the Helicopter from Airforce hired by Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League to delivery the trophy strategically stadium in between the City of Harare and Gweru.

But by Afternoon it was evident where the Chopper was heading. As Chapungu had thrown everything at Platinum. This has been a steady rise to the Crown for Platinum FC. In 2016 they second, in 2015 emerged third and in 2014 fourth. The question is where would they be in 2018.

Its the first time since 1967 that a club away from Harare and Bulawayo have won the leagud title.