Chiragwi makes it four!

Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter

NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi yesterday said he was motivated to push for more recognition after he won his fourth Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Coach of the Month award.

Bulawayo Chiefs striker, Obriel Chirinda was voted the September Player of the Month.

The youthful coach, often regarded one of the most underrated football brains in the domestic Premiership, has been enjoying a brilliant campaign with log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Chiragwi has won four of the eight Castle Lager PSL awards presented so far, having achieved the feat in April, May, August and now September.

This is the second time he has bagged the accolade back-to-back, after leading Ngezi Platinum to three wins from the four games they played last month and opening a six-point gap at the top of the league table.

“Obviously, I feel honoured to receive such recognition in the domestic football circles,” he told Zimpapers Sports yesterday.

“I am humbled, winning this award for two straight months. It’s not easy because I work alongside some great coaches in this league.

“So, it’s quite humbling and at the same time I must say it’s very important for any coach to be appreciated. I must thank my team and everyone behind us for their roles in making this possible.

“Personally, it pushes me to want to do more. I get a lot of energy to go forward and I am sure my players are motivated as well.” After losing 1-2 to Herentals on September 2, Ngezi Platinum Stars turned around their fortunes with impressive wins over title contenders Manica Diamonds (1-0), new boys GreenFuel (3-0) and ZPC Kariba (3-0) to consolidate their place at the top as fellow competitors floundered. “It’s a result of teamwork. The players are the biggest part of this puzzle. These guys have been working very hard. They have the belief; they are the ones who play a major role in winning games. “As coaches we are there to guide them and try as much as possible to make sure that they play to their maximum capabilities and as a team,” said Chiragwi.