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Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TAKESURE Chiragwi is cursing his luck after failing to put an ideal stamp to mark his 100th game in charge of Ngezi Platinum Stars on Saturday.
The Mhondoro miners lost their fourth Chibuku Super Cup final inside five seasons when conceding a 4-2 defeat on penalties to Dynamos following a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.
It was disappointing for Chiragwi who was looking to celebrate a distinct milestone by bagging the US$75 000 piece.
He was also looking at atoning for last year’s defeat to the same opponent and become the first coach to win the Premiership title and Chibuku Super Cup titles one after the other inside two seasons.
But his charges lapsed after taking a first-half lead through the left boot of Obriel Chirinda.
Dynamos equalised with 12 minutes on the clock to force extra-time and eventually penalties.
“At times you just have to know fate was designed like that. My players gave it their all, they did everything and on many occasions we were on top of the game.
“We controlled most of the duels, created the most chances and there is nothing more that I could have asked my boys to do.
“It’s unfortunate we ended up losing a match which we dominated. But it’s part of the game. It was a very tough match to which Dynamos seized their moments and got the reward.
“But I will take nothing from my boys. They had the heart and the desire. We passed the ball well and prodded so many times.
“Yeah, I was looking to put the icing on the cake of my celebrating 100 games in charge by winning the Chibuku Super Cup.
“But football is always like that. We will keep on working hard and keeping the focus.”
Chiragwi first took the reins at Madamburo on an interim basis after the sacking of Rodwell Dhlakama and after the axing of Benjani Mwaruwari in 2022.
He then assumed a substantive role later that year.
With 52 wins, 29 draws and 19 defeats, Chiragwi ranks amongst the best coaches in the league after leading Ngezi Platinum Stars to their maiden league crown last year.
Online Reporter