Last Saturday’s high-stakes Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match day 24 clash between former champions FC Platinum and ambitious debutants Scottland has generated debate among stakeholders.
The clash, which many predicted would have a say in the ultimate destination of the league title, lived up to its billing in terms of drama and goals.
It turned out to be a seven-goal thriller with the Scotts walloping the Platinum miners 5-2, handing Norman Mapeza’s troops their first defeat of the season in the process.
Costly blunders cost FC Platinum, particularly in the second half, with goalkeeper David Bizabani’s howler gifting Tymon Machope his second and Scottland’s third goal of the game.
Swirling allegations of match fixing dominated discussions on social media today.
An FC Platinum player who spoke to Fanzone on condition of anonymity revealed that Mapeza confronted some of his players, accusing them of fixing the game.
“This is a complicated issue. Some of us just played the game normally, and we assumed we just lost. But it appears as though there is more to the story,” said the player.
“The coach (Mapeza) suspects there are some players who might have deliberately influenced the outcome of the game.
“He was very clear about it and said to us that there would be investigations into the matter,” he added.
FC Platinum released a statement on the club’s Facebook page and deleted it five minutes later, before posting it again.
The statement reads: “FC Platinum is aware of recent reports regarding its senior team players as well as unsubstantiated allegations made against them.
“FC Platinum operates with integrity and adheres strictly to all relevant laws, regulations and ethical standards. We view these allegations with the seriousness they deserve and are currently reviewing all options available to address this matter appropriately.”
