FORMER champions FC Platinum’s coach Norman Mapeza is happy that his team has hit the right chord after seeing out a bad patch.
Mapeza believes every team will experience such phases during the course of the season.
FC Platinum defeated Highlanders at the weekend as they continue to make progress in their bid to win their fifth title in six years.
Kugona Kunenge Kudada have shot to position two on the log-table with 21 points, a point behind leaders Manica Diamonds.
Before the two vital wins, against Green Fuel and Bosso, FC Platinum suffered two defeats to Manica Diamonds and ZPC Kariba and shared the spoils with league debutants Bikita Minerals and Arenel Movers.
“I have said it before every club will go through such phases. It was not only us. The only team that managed to collect lots of points was Manica Diamonds. They collected 12 points or so. For the rest of the teams, it was five points, four and six. It was not only us who were having a rough patch.”
He added: “Last week’s win against Green Fuel was what we needed and the one was against Highlanders as well. Ever since we played football, Highlanders will remain Highlanders. People should always respect them. Highlanders is a big club. We know the history of this club. This is a massive club in this country. When you come here [Barbourfields], you come here prepared; that is Highlanders.”
“If you win it brings happiness. It is like when you receive your pay; will you go home sad? We won and that is what we were there for. We had our objectives and I am sure Highlanders had theirs. But at the end of the day, it’s a game of football. We managed to collect maximum points and credit to my boys,” he said.
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Manica Diamonds are leading the pack but had their struggles at the start with three defeats and two draws before their win at a time many thought coach Jairos Tapera would be dismissed but only for him to win the April Coach the Month award.
Simba Bhora have also struggled with indications that coach Tonderai Ndiraya would be fired at some stage, but they won their two games against Chegutu Pirates and Ngezi Platinum.
Highlanders were handed their first defeat by Chicken Inn, went on to play two draws, won one game and suffered a defeat to FC Platinum, dropping to position four after leading the pack.
Big clubs like Chicken Inn, Caps United and Dynamos have struggled for form with DeMbare teetering on position 10 on the log table.
