We can do better: FC Platinum

Sport
DESPITE an impressive away victory over Kenyan side Sofapaka in the first round first leg of the Confederation Cup at the weekend, FC Platinum coaches believe their team could do even much better.

DESPITE an impressive away victory over Kenyan side Sofapaka in the first round first leg of the Confederation Cup at the weekend, FC Platinum coaches believe their team could do even much better.

MUKUDZEI CHINGWERE in NAIROBI, KENYA

The Zimbabwean representatives took a giant leap towards second round progression with a  commendable 2-1 win away in Nairobi, courtesy of goals by Brian Muzondiwa and Donald Ngoma.

The two teams will meet again in two weeks’ time in Zimbabwe for the second leg match with the Zvishavane-based side expected to easily sail through to the next round.

Despite the commanding advantage ahead of the reverse fixture, FC Platinum assistant coach Patrick Mandizha was demanding more from his charges.

He believed they could do better.

“It was a very important result which gives us much confidence going forward,” Mandizha said.

“But the boys have not yet reached the level we want them to be at. They fitness levels is not yet up to scratch, but I think that will be achieved with time because we are still coming from pre-season.

“In terms of tactics there is a way we want them to play, but they are yet to fully adjust to that,” Mandizha added.

The visitors had a good game generally, but there are some areas they still need to improve especially on the left side channel where Elvis Moyo was occasionally left alone to deal with the slippery wingers Danson Kago and Fiston Abdoul.

The win in Kenya was due to tactical prowess of Mandizha who was in charge of the team for the better part of pre-season with his boss Norman Mapeza advancing his coaching badges in Harare.

The former, however, shrugged off any personal praise instead opting to laud his boss’s tactical acumen.

“We worked on the plan that was prepared by the coach. He was just not there physically, but we were doing everything as per his instruction.

“His experience has helped us a lot and I personally have learned a lot from him (Mapeza) and for this result he deserves a lot of credit,” Mandizha said.

If FC Platinum successfully navigate their way past the first round, they would likely face Young Africans in the next stage.

The Tanzanian side is almost assured of progression after a 2-0 win over Botswana Defence Forces Xl going into the reverse fixture in a fortnight.