FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza was left furious after being struck by a missile during his teams emphatic 3-0 win over Highlanders at Mandava stadium on Sunday.

Mapeza was hit by a missile on the shoulder by a rowdy Highlanders fan and left the dugout on a stretcher for treatment and had to finish the match with a heavily bandaged arm.

Mapeza accused the Highlanders fans for turning Mandava stadium into a war zone as the rowdy supporters also temporarily confiscated Supersport speakers during their violent conduct.

“This is not football when a family environment which is supposed to be beautiful is turned into a warzone. This behaviour is not good for our football. But I am happy with how my players played, they worked hard to get the result and we will now need to do the same and register a win against Tsholotsho,” Mapeza said.

The result ended Highlanders title hopes while FC Platinum kept their pressure on Caps United for the title race into the last day of the season.

FC Platinum also managed to end their winless streak over Highlanders at Mandava stadium since 2011. Gerald Takwara, Walter Musona and Charles Sibanda were on target as the Pure Platinum Play also exorcised the Week 29 curse which has affected all their title ambitions in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

The Norman Mapeza coached side now need an outright win away to Tsholotsho next weekend and hope that Caps United falter against Chapungu at Ascot stadium in Gweru.