Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
NGEZI Platinum Stars defender Leslie Kashitugu may be one of the shortest players in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, but his performances have been towering.
Naturally a defensive midfielder, Kashitugu has recently been converted into a centre-back. Under the guidance of coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa, Ngezi Platinum have adopted a three-man defence featuring Chirwa Gomezgani, Muchengete Praise, and Kashitugu at the heart of the defence.
Mutiwekuziwa replaced Takesure Chiragwi who is now at CAPS United. In their 1–1 draw against defending champions Scottland at Rufaro, Kashitugu delivered a stand-out performance. Despite facing highly rated forwards such as Knowledge Musona, Walter Musona, and Tymon Machope, he remained impenetrable and played with remarkable composure. Scottland had to score from the spot after Tinotenda Ditima hacked down Moses Shidolo who made the most out of it.
“It’s a position I am enjoying with ease,” said Kashitugu. “Tall players often assume they will dominate short defenders in aerial duels, but I work hard to prove them wrong. “I believe in hard work, and I draw inspiration from world-class defenders like captain Philipp Lahm and others,” he added. Ngezi Platinum have amassed four points so far out of a possible six after edging FC Platinum in the opening game. Top their disadvantage, they are currently on a FIFA transfer ban which saw them relying only on players already in their books.
“I have managed to register the required number of players for the season, which particularly means the depth of the team is still there,” said Mutiwekuziwa. “Other players are having their opportunities. This is their season.” Drawing on his past experience with Herentals which priorities continuity, Mutiwekuziwa said: “That’s what we used to do when I was still at Herentals. It brings together the team, and at the same time, combinations are quite easy to come up with. And also, the transition of the team is quite easy.”
Ngezi Platinum shift focus to their midweek league clash with ZPC Kariba at Baobab.
