adminTakudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
FORMER Blackpool defender Clifton “Somalia’’ Kadurira believes his World Navi Northern Region Division One newboys Ngezi Platinum have now found their footing in the league and should be poised for a strong challenge in the second half of the season. Kadurira, nicknamed Somalia during his playing days at the now defunct Blackpool because of his small frame, which was likened to victims of the famine hit Somalia, said he had detected an air of confidence in the manner in which his players were now going about their business in Division One.
The Ngezi coach watched from the touchline as his charges managed to restrict Commando Bullets to a goalless draw in their weekend fixture.
Kadurira attributed the “positive performance’’ to self-belief and said he was hopeful they would now play with greater consistency.
“We are very happy with our form during the past two games and I believe the team is not that bad but we lacked confidence.
“The players now believe in themselves that they can grind results and that is what is needed when going into a fixture. I believe the team is now starting to gel as we have blended seasoned players and some inexperienced young talent,’’ Kadurira said.
Ngezi Platinum are now lying sixth on the table, having managed to beat Lake Harvest 3-0 before they held Commando Bullets in their backyard last week.
Kadurira said the race for the World Navi Division One is still wide open as all the teams have a chance to change their fortunes.
“I believe the race in the World Navi Division One League is still open and anyone can win. The points separating all the teams are reasonable so any team has a chance to win the ticket.
“The results are changing with each passing week and all the teams still have a chance.
“On our side the team is now doing well and even our defeats were not by big margins,” said Kadurira.
In the Eastern Region Buffalo Junior returned to the top of the log table after they beat Gutu 2-0 at Vengere.
The soldiers had been second for two weeks but Eastern Stars’ 0-0 draw against struggling Black Eagles helped their cause.
Black Eagles had only managed a single win and a single draw going into the weekend fixtures and despite holding out for a draw, the result did not change the police outfit’s standings on the table and they are still lying second from bottom with five points, one ahead of Chivhu Stars who also forced a 2-2 draw against Ruwa United at Garwe.
Meanwhile, Harare funeral company Doves Funeral Assurance will tomorrow unveil a US$10 000 sponsorship package for a Zifa Harare Province knock-out tournament.
The Harare Province knock-out tournament will involve 53 clubs drawn from division 2 and 3.
As part of the package, Doves Funeral Assurance will also offer a funeral policy scheme to players and officials with contributions of $3 as minimum and $5 as maximum per month.
Zifa Harare Province vice-chairman Robert Tembo told the association’s website, www.zifa.org.zw that he was elated with the development.
Results:
Central Region:
Chrome Stars 1, Gweru City 2; Whawha 1, FC Platinum Under-19 0; Vumbachikwe 3, Chemumvuri Pirates 0; Tongogara 1, Blanket Mine 0; ZRP Beitbridge 1, Gaths Mine 1; Zvishavane Stars 2, Silo United 3;
Southern Region:
Tsholotsho 1, ZPC Hwange 0; Plumtree Chiefs 1,Technosphere 2; Old Nic Mine 1,Elephant 1; New West 1, Black Boots 1, Trumus 2, Ntabazinduna 1.
Eastern Region:
Mutare Poly 1, Renco Mine 1; Tenax 2, FC Three Leaves 2; Gaza Gunners 0, Masvingo United 2; Surrey 2, Mwenezana 5; Chivhu Stars 2, Ruwa United 2; ZRP Masvingo 2, Mutare City 6; Buffalo Junior 2, Gutu 0; Eastern Stars 0, Black Eagles0.
Online Reporter