By Mabvuto Kambuwe & Peter Fote:
Malawian striker Vincent Nyangulu scored a last-gasp winner as Zimbabwean side FC Platinum defeated Manica Diamonds 1-0 in the Castle Premier Soccer League at Mandava Stadium on Saturday.
The former Mighty Wanderers striker was introduced as a second half substitute and made a crucial impact when he headed in a Clive Tshuma cross in the 90th minute.
It was Nyangulu’s first goal for FC Platinum.
In an interview Sunday, Nyangulu could not hide his excitement.
“It feels great to score the first goal for the club and get all the three points. The best is yet to come from me. I have plenty to show the fans as long as I play.
“I want to thank the team management for trusting me with this job. I will do my best, both on the pitch and off the pitch, to reward them,” Nyangulu said.
His former team manager at Wanderers Steve Madeira hailed the forward.
“This is the news we all would like to hear. His success is our success,” Madeira said.
Meanwhile, Nyangulu’s compatriot, defender Nickson Nyasulu, started his second match for Platinum whereas compatriot Precious Phiri was introduced as a second half substitute.
Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was on cloud nine with the win.
“It was a difficult game but we had some opportunities. I am happy that plan B worked for us. This is just the second game of the season and we need to keep working hard,” Mapeza told FC Platinum media.
In a related development, Flames goalkeeper William Thole kept a second consecutive clean sheet in the Castle Premier Soccer League as defending champions Simba Bhora drew 0-0 with ZPC Kariba.
Malawian defender Gomezgani Chirwa made his debut for Ngezi Platinum Stars as they beat Green Fuel 1-0.
Another former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defender Collins Mujuru featured for Green Fuel.
In the Zambia MTN Faz League, Malawian striker Chawanangwa Kaonga was in the starting line-up as Zanaco defeated Zesco 2-1.
His compatriot Robert Saizi did not make the bench.
Chifundo Mphasi’s Power Dynamos claimed a 2-0 victory over Lumwana Radiants at Arthur Davis Stadium.
