Sundaymail Editor
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
EACH day Rodwell Dhlakama performs his duties in Mhondoro-Ngezi, some 160 kilometres away from Harare, the former Young Warriors gaffer is driven by a quote from Ghanaian Ernest Agyemang Yeboah, which reads: “When you are called for a great duty because you have been given a great ability, do your very best to leave great footprints no matter what!”
Almost one-and-half years have passed since the unassuming coach was appointed as Ngezi Platinum Stars coach with the sole mandate of bringing silverware to the mining town.
With the team becoming thoroughly professional, Dhlakama has now been tasked with transforming the club into a modern football institution.
The transformation seeks to embrace the business side of football.
However, silverware for the platinum miners’ trophy cabinet remains a priority.
It is a mission that Dhlakama, a previous championship winner, albeit as Norman Mapeza’s assistant, has accepted and is ready to face head-on.
“At Ngezi Platinum Stars we want to play a type of football that will be identified with the brand of the team; the kind of football that will be unique to the club. We have to create a philosophy.
“We want to compete and win silverware, while at the same time we want to transform this club into a business,” he said.
The Ngezi Platinum management have stepped up efforts towards professionalism.
The club has also revised its recruitment policy.
“It is true that football has now become big business, and this is something that requires us as coaches to play a part, and this can only be achieved by a right recruitment exercise,” said Dhlakama.
Credited for scouting the likes of Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Erick Chipeta, Ovidy Karuru, George Chigova, Matthew Rusike, Onismor Bhasera, Washington Arubi, Kingston Nkhata, and the Mubaiwa twins — Peter and Patrick, Dhlakama insists he would not hesitate to throw in young and unheralded players in his quest to bring silverware and enhance the business side of the club.
“If you are to look at our recruitment, we have been a bit strict on age; most of our players are below the age of 25.
“We have unearthed some fine, young talent which we are ready to unleash when the season starts … I am not going to be afraid to throw them (young talent) into the fray and showcase their talent.”
Although they have used the prolonged off-season break to bring in new talent, Dhlakama said the loss of Frank Makarati to Harare giants Dynamos was a big loss for the club.
He is, however, confident of the arsenal he has at his disposal for the 2021 season.
“Inasmuch as losing Frank Makarati was a big loss, it is something that always happens in football. We have to move forward, as there is no player who is bigger than a club.
“I am confident of the arsenal that will be at our disposal.
“If they (players) want to do well in life, they have to move out of the comfort zone, hence as we prepare for the new season, I have not asked but instead I have demanded from my players to stand up and be counted.
“This is the only way they can attract interest from outside the country while we also compete for silverware on the local scene.”
As he tries to kill two birds with one stone, Dhlakama said his technical team would ensure balance between youth and experience.
“We have a balanced team in which we have blended experience with youth, and the objective is to be a competitive side on the field, while we also look at the business aspect of the team in which we are looking at selling players.”
Online Reporter