CHAMPS BACK IN BUSINESS

Eddie Chikamhi

Senior Sports Reporter

CHAMPIONS Ngezi Platinum Stars have pounced on former Zimbabwe national team fringe player Richard Hachiro as they begin pre-season training ahead of their title defence this season.

After a five-week break for the festive break, the Mhondoro side regrouped early this week and conducted medicals and fitness tests for the returning players before embarking on the first day of pre-season training on Wednesday morning.

The technical team, led by Takesure Chiragwi, was yesterday involved in a long meeting with the club’s board where they thrashed out plans for the upcoming season.

Ngezi Platinum Stars this season will be fighting on two fronts and would need adequate pre-season preparations to be able to handle the demands.  They would want to make an impression on their debut CAF Champions League participation.

Ngezi Platinum Stars will unveil their team in the coming days and the Zimpapers Sports is reliably informed that they have so far settled for Hachiro who is set to join from former champions Chicken Inn. 

“The aim is to remain competitive as a team. We are also aware of the demands that come with playing in the African Safari. 

“So, we need to really strengthen our team going into the new season. 

“We have the young players in our development team who can come in and easily fit into the system,” said Chiragwi.

Ngezi Platinum Stars are set to retain most of their players, including veteran Qadr Amini, who was crowned 2023 Soccer Star of the Year, last season’s Golden Boot winner Takunda Benhura, Leslie Kashtigu, Tinotenda Murasiranwa, Delic Murimba, Claude Mapoka, Bruno Mtigo, Farai Madhanaga and goalkeeper Nelson Chadya.

Chiragwi is also expected to welcome back Tapiwa Sibanda and Wayne Makuva who were on a season-long loan at relegated Triangle last season. Ariel Makopa had already been recalled.

The team will also welcome back long-term injury casualty Carlos Mavhurume into the fold. Mavhurume suffered a knee injury and has since undergone corrective surgery.