HARARE - Luke Masomere marked his return to the Shabanie Mone bench in style, guiding his team to a historic first ever win over town rivals FC Platinum.

Farai Mususunye grabbed the all-important goal three minutes into stoppage time.

Masomere received a standing ovation from the Maglas Stadium, taking charge of Shabanie for the first time after being exonerated by an Asiagate appeals committee last week.

He made a number of changes, with Victor Twaliki getting the nod ahead of Roy Mazingi in goals while Peter Mzondo came in for the suspended Smart Muchabaiwa in defence.

Tafadzwa Mombeshora, playing as an anchorman, executed his duties with aplomb, winning crucial position in midfield. Masomere’s substitution also proved a masterstroke, as his second half changes of Farai Mususunye and Caleb Masocha for Mulungisi Ndlovu and Eria Phiri swung the game Shabanie’s way.

Shabanie started brightly especially in the midfield where the quartet of Mombeshora, Fungai Chirinda and Valentine Ndaba got the better of Thabani Kamusoko,Winston Mhango and Charles Sibanda.

Platinum had their fair share of chances although their midfield was ineffective with Donald Ngoma and Ali Sadiki forcing crucial saves from Twaliki with long range shots.

With the game heading towards a draw, Masocha won possession on the right, spotting Mususunye in the box. Mususunye held the ball and managed a turn and shoot past Petros Mhari to spark off wild celebrations in the small mining town, lasting well into the night. - Sports Writer