HARARE - He was the country’s deadliest striker last year with 18 Castle Premiership goals, and two games into the new season, he has already banged three.

Nelson Maziwisa was recalled by FC Platinum at the beginning of the season from a loan spell at town rivals Shabanie Mine, and the platinum miners must be feeling chuffed by their decision.

The former Chinda Boys hitman opened his account against Buffaloes at Sakubva Stadium on Good Friday in the 2-1 win over the Mutare side before weighing up with a brace against How Mine at Mandava Stadium on Easter Monday. Platinum won 4-1 to record a 100 percent record in their first two games of the new season.

For his first goal on Monday, Maziwisa, with the instinct of a goal poacher, ghosted from a blind side to tuck home a rebound from a Thabani Kamusoko free kick, which ricocheted off the cross bar.

The 26-year old striker showed the same predatory instinct again for his second when he emerged from between Gilbert Banda and Brighton Choto to tap in a cross from Charles Sibanda, who had left Hebert Dick in a heap on the right flank.

With the score line at 4-1, Maziwisa continued probing the opposite defence for more and his defence splitting pass to Sibanda on the stroke of fulltime saw the midfielder shot wide with only goalkeeper Pedzisai Gumiremhete to beat.

Despite flying start, an omen of an avalanche of goals to come, Maziwisa typically remained modest.

“I am just continuing from where I left from last season. It’s too early to talk about the number of goals I will score this season but I am just praying that it’s going to be a fruitful season,” said Maziwisa.

“I am glad that I have teammates who are very supportive and they know where to place the ball for me. I want to thank them because without their support I cannot score goals regularly like I am doing.”

Platinum moved to the top of the log standings ahead of Highlanders courtesy of a superior goal difference after having scored six goals in the two matches.

“This is a perfect start and we would want to build on this going into the season,” assistant coach Tendai Chikuni said. “Obviously this is going to remove pressure on us since we are one of the teams that are favourites to win the title every season. I hope that the players will maintain their work ethic.” - Sports Writer