FC Platinum head coach Joel Luphahla says his side deserved maximum points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium, in a result that left the Zvishavane-based outfit frustrated.
After the match Luphahla said “I’m very proud of my players, the way they played today. I’m sure people can see what we are trying to do,”. “We didn’t come here to play for a draw. We came here for three points.”
The visitors had taken the lead through Garikai Dematsika, who notched his third goal of the season after sustained pressure, with FC Platinum dominating large spells of the game. Tjahikika Mbakondja had earlier rattled the crossbar from open play, while the miners continued to threaten from set-pieces.
However, Dynamos were handed a lifeline early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty — a decision Luphahla described as “soft.” Abel Gwatidzo converted from the spot to level matters and shift momentum.
Despite the setback, FC Platinum continued to create chances, with Dematsika missing a clear opportunity to restore the lead, a moment that ultimately proved costly in a tightly contested affair.
“I thought it was a soft penalty, but the referee thought otherwise. We missed a sitter… but at the end of the day, it’s football and we take these lessons,” Luphahla added.
The draw means FC Platinum remain in the chasing pack, but the coach admitted his side must improve their away form if they are to mount a serious challenge this season.
Attention now turns to their next assignment, where FC Platinum will host MWOS — the Punters — in what promises to be another stern test. The visitors, under the guidance of experienced coach Lloyd Mutasa, have shown resilience this season and will be eager to upset the miners on their home turf.
For Luphahla and his men, the focus will be on turning promising performances into victories as they look to close the gap on the league’s frontrunners.
