Zvishavane-based FC Platinum (FCP) was crowned Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions on Saturday afternoon at Mandava Stadium.
Light rains engulfed Mandava Stadium during the trophy presentation that was done after the final whistle.
FCP was confirmed as the 2022 PSL champions a few weeks ago after opening up an unassailable lead at the top of the table but the coronation had to wait until its final game of the season.
Pure Platinum Play was on Saturday crowned the champions for the fourth time in a row, finishing the season in style after beating Cranborne Bullets 3-0.
Two of the goals were scored in the first half, by Walter Musona and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, and Panashe Mutimbanyoka scored the third goal in the second half.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Mapeza said the latest championship is more special. He said:
This was a special one because we did it with a relatively young squad.
In 2018, we had a fantastic squad but this time we had to fuse in some new players and it feels special.
Sometimes you won’t feel happiness because you are always working hard.
The second half of the season was all about hard work… it was about planning, and sourcing information about other teams.
This is a massive achievement for the club and it’s good for the community.
FCP has now won four PSL titles in a row, joining Dynamos and Highlanders, who are the only other Premiership sides to achieve that feat.
Pure Platinum Play is now the only side from outside Harare and Bulawayo to win four straight titles.
This one was also Mapeza’s fourth career championship title as a coach.
He won his first with Monomotapa in 2008, before winning three titles with FC Platinum in 2017, 2018 and 2022. | The Sunday Mail