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BY TERRY MADYAUTA
FC Platinum gaffer Norman Mapeza has admitted that his striker’s lack of precision was the main drawback after they were the eliminated from the CAF Champions League by GD Sagrada Esperança of Angola on Saturday.
The two Southern Africa sides drew nil all in both legs and needed penalties to be separated, with the platinum miners losing 4-5.
Their usual reliable goal getter Rodwell Chinyengetere was the main culprit, missing their first penalty while Gift Mbweti, Blessing Moyo, Nomore Chinyerere and Donald Dzvinyai hit the target.
Chinyengetere’s miss followed a series of other missed chances which they created throughout the two matches.
However, that his side was booted out of the premier continental club competition at the preliminary stage seemed to bother Mapeza less, though admitting that his well-established forwards need that improve on their precision if they were to entertain hopes of performing better in all competitions.
“The sharpness was always missing for us, we played some training games around and I could tell that sharpness was missing but I can’t blame them because we had little time.
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“So the sharpness wasn’t there because of inactivity. But the guys worked so hard and I want to give them credit for fighting very hard in both legs,” Mapeza said.
The newly-appointed Warriors caretaker coach opined that his charges were exceptional given that they had only three weeks to prepare owing to the COVID-19-induced lockdown.
“They worked so hard considering where we are coming from. We haven’t played football for quite some time.
“I am proud of the boys, they worked so hard, it’s unfortunate losing on penalties, it’s like a lottery; anything can happen, but I am proud of the boys,” he added.
Mapeza is hoping they utilise the experience as a perfect warm-up for the returning Chibuku Super Cup later this month.
“It’s good for us and we will build from this experience because soon we are returning to the local league and the Chibuku Super Cup.
“I hope we will all improve and do better for the club,’ he said.
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