Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
FORMER Champions, FC Platinum emerged the biggest winners at the weekend after extending their lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table to five points.
With the nation’s focus fixed on the Battle of Zimbabwe between Dynamos and Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium, former champions FC Platinum confirmed that they are the real deal after extending their lead at the top of log with a 3-1 demolition of new boys Chegutu Pirates at Baobab Stadium.
The Platinum miners who won four league titles on the bounce before it was wrestled by Ngezi Platinum last season, have reinvented their squad and the project seems to be coming of age.
The Zvishavane based side has been on an impressive nine match unbeaten run, winning seven encounters during that period.
They have been impressive on both ends of the pitch, scoring the highest number of goals after finding the back of the net 27 times, while the defence has been solid conceding just 12 goals.
The Norman Mapeza-coached side is at the apex with 38 points and hot on their heels are Ngezi Platinum Stars with 33 points.
The defending champions are on a roll, winning seven matches on the trot as they chase their cousins at the top.
Simba Bhora are third with 33 points separated by Ngezi Platinum on goal difference after edging Manica Diamonds one-nil at Wadzanayi Stadium.
Early pacesetters Manica Diamonds seem to be losing steam and now conclude the top four with 32 points.
Traditional giants Highlanders remain fifth despite getting national bragging rights after beating Dynamos two-nil, with the Harare giants remaining sixth on the log.
At the other end of the table, Arenel Movers are still at the bottom with 11 points, while Hwange are now on 13 points, with Chegutu Pirates on 16 points and TelOne conclude the bottom four with 18 points.
