Sports Reporter
ZVISHAVANE – FC Platinum’s hopes of winning their fifth Zimbabwe Premier League title are fading as they now trail league leaders Simba Bhora by 9 points after 27 rounds of matches.
Simba Bhora extended their lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 victory over Chegutu Pirates on Wednesday, while FC Platinum dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Greenfuel.
FC Platinum now sit on 47 points, while Simba Bhora have 56 points.
The poor run of form for FC Platinum has raised questions about the abilities of coach Norman Mapeza, who has struggled to replicate his success with the national team and in the CAF Champions League.
Last year, FC Platinum lost the league title to Ngezi Platinum Stars, and the retirement of former General Manager Jose Mususa, who was also a former referee, has added to the club’s woes.
Meanwhile, Simba Bhora have been accused of using similar tactics similar to those used by Mapeza, with allegations of referee buying.
The latest controversy surrounding Simba Bhora was the decision in their match against Highlanders.
The Referees Committee Chairperson, Norman Matemera, has stated that the Match Commissioners have the privilege to use video footage available at stadiums to help curb allegations of match-fixing, as Zimbabwe currently does not have a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system in place.
Here are Wednesday’s results in full:
Green Fuel 1-1 FC Platinum
Fulltime
Simba Bhora 2-0 Chegutu Pirates
Fulltime
* Yadah 1-0 Herentals
Hwange 2-0 CAPS United
Fulltime
Highlanders 2-0 Arenel Movers
Fulltime
Manica Diamonds 0-1 ZPC Kariba
Fulltime
TelOne 6-1 Bikita Minerals
Fulltime
Bulawayo Chiefs 1-1 Ngezi Platinum
Fulltime
Dynamos PP Chicken Inn
Postponed
