News
By staff reporter
Simba Bhora head coach Mandla "Lulu" Mpofu has vowed to discipline striker Harrison Masina after his unnecessary red card denied the league leaders a famous victory over FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Mandava Stadium over the weekend.
Simba Bhora looked on course for all three points after Masina broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. However, the forward's celebrations proved costly after he removed his shirt and received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal.
With Simba Bhora reduced to 10 men, FC Platinum capitalized on the numerical advantage almost immediately, with Godfrey "Tadiwa" Muchenje heading home the equaliser just a minute later to secure a 1-1 draw.
Speaking after the match, a disappointed Mpofu described the result as two points dropped rather than a point gained, insisting his side had produced one of their best performances of the season.
"Today I think we lost two points. The way we played today, I think it was one of our best performances ever. On a good day, I thought that was our win," said Mpofu.
The Simba Bhora coach did not hide his frustration with Masina's actions, saying experienced players should know better than to let emotions take over during crucial moments.
"I think it's a big blow for us. At times, players must control their emotions. It was just a moment of madness, but these things happen in football.
"I am angry. I'm going to charge him as much as possible, but at the end of the day, we must accept that these things happen all over the world. But at this stage, you don't expect that from him, considering his vast experience and seniority. He has been in football for a long time. You must manage your excitement. That's all manage your excitement."
The result saw both sides settle for a point in a closely contested encounter, although Simba Bhora will be left wondering what might have been after surrendering their lead moments after Masina's dismissal.
Simba Bhora looked on course for all three points after Masina broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. However, the forward's celebrations proved costly after he removed his shirt and received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal.
With Simba Bhora reduced to 10 men, FC Platinum capitalized on the numerical advantage almost immediately, with Godfrey "Tadiwa" Muchenje heading home the equaliser just a minute later to secure a 1-1 draw.
Speaking after the match, a disappointed Mpofu described the result as two points dropped rather than a point gained, insisting his side had produced one of their best performances of the season.
"Today I think we lost two points. The way we played today, I think it was one of our best performances ever. On a good day, I thought that was our win," said Mpofu.
The Simba Bhora coach did not hide his frustration with Masina's actions, saying experienced players should know better than to let emotions take over during crucial moments.
"I think it's a big blow for us. At times, players must control their emotions. It was just a moment of madness, but these things happen in football.
"I am angry. I'm going to charge him as much as possible, but at the end of the day, we must accept that these things happen all over the world. But at this stage, you don't expect that from him, considering his vast experience and seniority. He has been in football for a long time. You must manage your excitement. That's all manage your excitement."
The result saw both sides settle for a point in a closely contested encounter, although Simba Bhora will be left wondering what might have been after surrendering their lead moments after Masina's dismissal.
Published
August 3, 2026 at 9:40 AM
