FC Platinum ruin Simba Bhora party, unbeaten run ended in 0-2 defeat

By Sports Reporter

SIMBA Bhora’s dream of ending the 2024 Castle Lager Premier League (PSL) season without a defeat was shattered by FC Platinum on Saturday afternoon after they conceded to a 0-2 home defeat.

The Shamva based league side managed to make Wadzanai Stadium a fortress, losing only one match of the 17 they played.

Had Simba won the match against FC Platinum, they would have become the third team after CAPS United (2004) and FC Platinum (2017) to finish the season with an unbeaten home record.

Simba Bhora became the first team from Mashonaland Central to win the Premier Soccer League after beating Arenel Movers 1-0 at Luveve.

Despite the league’s success, Norman Mapeza became the first coach to defeat Simba Bhora at home since 2022 when they lost to Chegutu Pirates during their final Northern Region Division One season.

The Go Buju-Go boys have lost only seven games this season, that is two more defeats than Ngezi Platinum Stars, who have registered only five defeats.

FC Platinum’s win on Saturday was enabled by Panashe Mtimbanyoka’s 5th minute goal, which was sealed by Thando Ngwenya in the 85th minute.

Reigning champions Simba Bhora will be handed over their trophy next week at Nyamhunga in their final season fixture against ZPC Kariba.

In the other Castle Lager Premier Soccer League games played on Saturday, Chicken recorded a 3-0 win over Bikita Minerals, while Ngezi Platinum Stars thrashed Herentals 4-0.

Sunday Fixtures

Dynamos vs Manica Diamonds (Rufaro Stadium)

Chegutu Pirates vs CAPS United (Baobab Stadium)

Tel One vs Arenel Movers (Bata Stadium)

Yadah vs Green Fuel (Heart Stadium)

Hwange vs Highlanders (Colliery Stadium)