Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BENJANI MWARUWARI might have spent just four months on the Ngezi Platinum Stars dugout but that period was long enough for the former Zimbabwe captain to make a judgment on the club’s leadership.
Mwaruwari was appointed on March 25, 2022 before leaving the Mhondoro side on July 25 of the same year.
Leonard Musariri was Ngezi Platinum Stars’ chairman when Mwaruwari arrived at the Mashonaland West club.
The veteran administrator, who led Ngezi to their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in 2023, is still at the helm, although he briefly vacated his post at the end of that memorable season.
It is exactly three years after Mwaruwari left Ngezi, but the former Manchester City striker still cherishes the few months he spent in Mhondoro.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub from his base in England yesterday, Mwaruwari praised Musariri for his key role at Ngezi, who have been a competitive outfit since 2016 when they made their Premiership debut.
“In terms of leadership qualities Musariri is a top administrator, he knows football being someone who has been around for a long time,” Mwaruwari said.
Musariri is one of the four candidates vying to become the next Premier Soccer League chairman in Friday’s election.
He faces competition from Simba Bhora chairman Isaiah Mpfurutsa, Masimba Chihohwa (Manica Diamonds) and Dumisani Sisale (FC Platinum).
And Mwaruwari, who played top-level football in France and England, is backing his former boss Musariri to succeed Farai Jere at the league.
“Leadership in football entails a lot of things. It depends on a lot of factors, but mostly it’s about how you lead and influence around you.
“In that regard I see Musariri as the right man to take the PSL to another level,” said Mwaruwari.
“Yes, there are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes in football but I worked very well with Musariri.
“I left the club in 2022 but I still follow Zimbabwean football and Ngezi Platinum Stars continue to impress with the manner they do their things.
“In football it’s all about establishing viable structures, attracting sponsorship and playing good football and I think Ngezi, under Musariri, are doing well.
“He (Musariri) fits the bill. I really liked his leadership skills, he makes things happen, so I hope he wins.”
Although Mwaruwari did not last long at Ngezi, he had won the hearts of many after introducing a number of good young players including Tinotenda Murasiranwa, Takunda Benhura and Leslie Kashtigu.
Benhura blossomed into a gunman of repute and won the 2023 Premier Soccer League Golden Boot after scoring 13 goals for Ngezi and was also among the Soccer Star of the Year finalists.
“It’s great to see these youngsters blossom. They also deserve a chance to play.
“That’s something that keeps me connected to Ngezi.
“In football you are always reuniting.”
The 46-year-old Mwaruwari completed his UEFA A coaching course in 2021 and is now into coaching in England.
Ngezi president Wadzanayi Mutsakanyi also threw the miners weight behind Musariri.
“Firstly, let me make it clear that Musariri’s candidature for the PSL chairmanship is fully supported by Ngezi Platinum Stars.
“Ngezi Platinum Stars being a club, which values professional football administration, we are quite excited that one of our own, our son, who is very much entrenched in the way we manage football as a club, is vying for the top PSL post.
“If he wins it will surely make us very proud. If he wins, certainly soccer in Zimbabwe will be richer going forward,’’ Mutsakanyi said.
