Castle Soccer League Champions FC Platinum have just won silverware before the beginning of the season. The Zvishavane based side thumped two nill Bulawayo based Highlanders to claim this year’s Castle Challenge Cup. The match was drama filled.
Finished During First Half
FC Platinum took a comfortable win at Babourfields, the home of Highlanders inspired by striker Silas Songani. The first goal came in the 29th minute as Songani curled home a free-kick after squandering two chances in the opening minutes.
The second goal came in the 36th minute as FC Platinum winger Perfect Chikwende made a great run on the left and crossed the ball to Songani who shot home from close ranch.
De Jongh’s impact
De Jongh’s side went into the break with total control of the game. The second half started with both teams applying pressure on each other. However, the pressure was much low than the first half. FC Platinum reduced their tempo and resorted to balancing striking and defending duties. De Jongh proved to know his former club Highlanders well as he thwarted any chance of attack from Highlanders. The coach moved from Highlanders to FC Platinum at the end of last season. He made a pleasing impression at Highlanders. He won silverware after beating Ngezi Platinum one nill in the Chubuku Cup final.
Violence
The match was not going to end without drama. Police and Highlanders fans clashed inside the pitch after the latter jumped and threw missiles to disrupt the match (see video below). At some point the members of the Zimbabwe Republic police were forced to back track as they were being targeted by the angry fans. It was a bad way of losing for Highlanders. The anger of the fans might have been directed at De Jongh who deserted them for the Kugona Kunenge Kudada side.
Upcoming season and Corona Virus outbreak
The start of the upcoming season is increasingly becoming doubtful as the outbreak of Corona Virus unfolds. There is no certainty on whether the season is going to carry on or not. The Premier Soccer Leaugue is yet to communicate.
