Mapeza Criticizes Refereeing as FC Platinum, Chicken Inn End Stalemate
BULAWAYO – FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has expressed frustration at referee Mhaka Magare’s decision not to award his team a penalty during their 1-1 draw with Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium on Saturday.
The incident occurred when Platinum’s forward Oscar Bhebhe appeared to be fouled in the box by defender Lincoln Mangaira.
Chicken Inn broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a well-placed strike by Brian Muza. FC Platinum responded later in the match, with Thando Ngwenya seizing on a rebound to find the equalizer and secure a share of the points.
After the game, Mapeza stated, “I can’t complain about the result, but there was a situation where I think we should have gotten a penalty.”
He added that FC Platinum has now gone two full seasons – a total of 76 matches, including cup competition without being awarded a single penalty.
Acknowledging his team’s role in the drought, Mapeza remarked, “Maybe it’s our problem, our strikers are not getting into the box. But if someone denies you a clear penalty like that, we will keep on talking. That was a clear penalty.”
The draw leaves Chicken Inn lamenting a missed opportunity to secure all three points, while FC Platinum continues to contend with lingering frustrations over officiating decisions.
