Former Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza started off the 2023 Zimbabwean football season by winning one of the country’s top cup titles.
Mapeza is in charge of FC Platinum, who won the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title last season, their fourth in a row.
The Zimbabwean league is set to roar into life on 18 March, and Mapeza is on cloud nine that they started the year on a high note.
They beat Chibuku Super Cup winners Bulawayo Chiefs 2-0 to clinch the coveted Castle Challenge Cup for the fourth time in a row.
In previous editions, they beat Harare City, Triangle and Highlanders FC, respectively.
This means they have accounted for four league titles and four Castle Challenge Cups in four seasons.
WHAT MAPEZA SAID AFTER WINNING THE CASTLE CUP
“I’m happy with this. It’s a good start to the season. We are not yet there, but I believe we are in the right direction.
“In terms of fitness, we are not yet there, but I’m happy. I expect a tough season, but of course, a winning start is all we need. We needed this kind of start,” he said.
WORRY OVER POOR CONVERSION RATE
The former Zimbabwe national team captain remains worried about his team’s conversion rate. Pure Platinum Play, as they are fondly known, created as many chances throughout the match, but they failed to convert.
“All our new signings did well. But I am still worried about the finishing. We did well in terms of creating chances.
“It’s a positive thing that we are still good at creating chances, but we have to find ways of unlocking the goals.
“We have youngsters that we promoted into the team. I believe they are the future of the team.
“They haven’t played as many games, but for me, what matters is helping them believe in themselves.
“There is so much work to do, but it would ultimately delight me if they go far in terms of attracting players that are beyond our borders,” he said.
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