FC Platinum head coach Joel Luphahla has taken full responsibility for his side’s failure to secure victory after being held to a 2-2 draw by MWOS at Mandava Stadium, describing the result as a “loss” driven by avoidable mistakes and a lack of maturity.
Despite showing attacking intent and working hard to create chances, the miners were twice undone by defensive lapses — something Luphahla believes should not be happening at this level.
“Three points this season is gold,” Luphahla said after the match, warning that failure to manage games properly is costing his side crucial momentum in the title race.
The FC Platinum coach was particularly critical of how his team handled key moments, especially late in the first half, where poor decision-making allowed MWOS back into the game.
“It’s really disappointing to come at home and get a point. For today, it feels like a loss because we could have won this game easily,” he said.
Luphahla emphasized that while mistakes are part of football, his players must quickly outgrow the tendency to concede “soft” goals, stressing that basic defensive discipline could have made the difference.
“We need to grow. These boys need to mature as quickly as possible because we do not have time,” he said.
The match was further disrupted by injuries and red cards on both sides, which affected the team’s shape, but Luphahla refused to hide behind those circumstances, instead pointing to a broader issue of game management and composure.
“It’s my responsibility to make sure that we help these boys to mature,” he added, taking ownership of the team’s shortcomings.
The draw leaves FC Platinum frustrated, particularly given their strong home record expectations, with Luphahla admitting that dropping points at Mandava is unacceptable for a side with ambitions of challenging at the top.
Attention now shifts to their next assignment — a tricky away fixture against Simba Bhora FC in Shamva — where the miners will be under pressure to respond.
For Luphahla and his team, the message is clear: eliminate the mistakes, grow up quickly, and start turning performances into victories — or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive campaign.
