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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars captain Qadr Amini was just 19 years old when he debuted in the Premiership with defunct Gunners.
With the help of senior players in the squad like Richard Khola, Ramson Zhuwawo and Tafadzwa Dube, he settled in well and made the left-back position his.
He was instrumental in the fine run for the ambitious side who went all the way to be crowned champions ahead of giants Dynamos and CAPS United.
And the talented utility player has hopped from one team to the other, including having stints with Dynamos and FC Platinum over the past 11 years.
He is still searching for a second crown in a career that promised so much before injuries and aborted foreign moves haunted him.
But he feels he is in a good space to win his second championship this season.
Ngezi Platinum Stars are one of the favourites to land the league title with their depth beyond doubt.
They have one of the most exceptional coaches in the league in Takesure Chiragwi.
And Amini believes now is the time for the Mhondoro team to shine.
They are top of the log with 23 points to their name after 12 games and the gap between them and their pursuers is not that commanding.
However, Amini is aware of the threats posed by other teams like Chicken Inn, Manica Diamonds, FC Platinum, Highlanders, CAPS United and Dynamos.
With his team composed of so many youngsters, he is aware of the need to lead the junior players in his team more like the seniors did to him when he was still a youngster at Gunners 11 years ago.
“There is no doubt about the capabilities of our team. We know we have very capable players to deliver the title to Ngezi Platinum this season,” Amini said.
“We have young players who have been mesmerising in the league so far.
“They have gelled well with the seniors and the combinations have been very encouraging.
“But we know, there are so many factors that can make a team win the league key amongst them being character.
“The last time I won the league title at Gunners, I was one of the youngest players. “Our seniors always sat the young players down and they always encouraged us.
“We were motivated each time we played the game.
“Here at Ngezi Platinum, I am one of the most senior guys. We have a lot of youngsters who we are also encouraging. “I am happy they are a listening lot and we are destined for bigger things this season.
“We also have a very tactical coach and we have no doubt we will do very well”.
Ngezi Platinum host Hwange at Baobab on Saturday.
They are yet to lose a match at home this season and Amini said their campaign should be anchored on a solid home record.
“If we are to challenge for honours this season, then we have to suffocate our opponents at home,” said Amini.
“We are a team with goals to achieve and we need to be ruthless at home.
“Our supporters are also key and we cannot afford to disappoint them at home.
“Of course, Hwange is a good team. They will come here with their own targets but we need to be very tactical”.
Online Reporter