NORMAN Mapeza says FC Platinum's current position on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log standings is not a true reflection of how they have been performing.
Mapeza made these remarks following FC Platinum's convincing 2-0 over Highlanders on Saturday in Zvishavane.
With the win they moved to 30 points, 11 behind table toppers Highlanders with 14 matches left in the season.
FC Platinum had gone for six matches without a win and on Saturday put up a masterclass that had Highlanders chasing from start to finish.
It was Highlanders first defeat of the season and their gap was cut to just two points by second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars.
While saying their triumph over Highlanders is nothing special, Mapeza said his team's quality has not changed although desired results have been eluding them.
The former Warriors tactician feels with a bit more luck, his team should have more points than they currently have.
“We have always been playing like this. Nothing has changed at all. It's unfortunate that we have not been getting the desired results.
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“For me, it’s a normal win. Is it more special to beat Highlanders? I doubt. To me, it’s normal,” Mapeza said.
An own goal from Peter Muduhwa and second half strike by Walter Musona helped the platinum miners bounce back to winning ways.
Their next assignment will be away to troubled Bulawayo Chiefs who they beat 2-1 in the reverse fixture.
Mapeza said the title race is still open and they still have a chance. They will be hoping that Highlanders, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Manica Diamonds can drop more points along the way.
Meanwhile, Highlanders are confident of bouncing back and push for what would be their first league title in 17 years.
After the Saturday game, the Bulawayo giants’ assistant coach Antonio Torres took to his social media Facebook account and said his side was a bit sluggish against FC Platinum but would bounce back to make another long march without defeat.
Their next game is the biggest derby in the City of Kings and Queens when they clash with Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
“It’s the first defeat for us but we cannot forget what these boys did for us until now. No one expected Highlanders to be top of the league after round 20. Today was not one of our best days in the first half.
“We were a little bit lethargic. We were a bit without a heart to play. This was a bad day. These bad days happen, what is important is we remain on top of the table. In the next round we start at the top. We will fight to make another long unbeaten run,” Torres said.
Torres paid tribute to the travelling Highlanders’ fans that was at Zvishavane on Saturday.
“Thanks once again! Yesterday was not our day, but it was a beauty to see the huge number of fans that travelled with the team. I’m sure together we will raise again. See you Sunday!”
Ngezi Platinum, hard on Highlanders’ heels, are away to Herentals in their next game.
Third-positioned Manica Diamonds and Dynamos, on position four, both faltered at the weekend with the former playing a 1-1 draw with Herentals while the latter was held by Simba Bhora at BF on Sunday.
Manica Diamonds with 36 points, host Green Fuel at the weekend while Dynamos with 33 points, are away to Cranborne Bullets.
