Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
KUMBIRAI Mutiwekuziva returns to Rufaro this afternoon carrying more than just Ngezi Platinum Stars’ unbeaten run.
He’s walking straight into his own past.
Before the results, before the growing reputation, there was Herentals College. His team. His project. His work.
Now he has to beat it.
Mutiwekuziva helped shape Herentals from the ground up, guiding them into the Premiership in 2017 and turning them into one of the more organised sides in the league. A sixth-place finish in their debut season, built on one of the best defences, set the tone.
For years, he was the face of that system.
Today, he stands on the opposite bench, and that’s where it gets tricky.
“It’s obviously one of the trickiest matches I would have to face this season,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“That’s a massive test for me and the team. Herentals College was my home for as long as I remember.
“They gave me this career so to speak. As much as I know them, they also know me. That’s the most interesting part going into this match.”
Interesting, yes. But also uncomfortable.
Because the same players he coached, the same structure he drilled into them, could easily turn against him.
“I left Herentals College in 2024, and I have coached most of the players who are there right now. “But that’s a minus rather than a plus on my part because these players know all about me. “It’s going to be tough for me and my team but we are certainly in it to win.
“We are yet to taste defeat as a team which is good, and we would like to continue on that trajectory.
“That’s the aim right now. We are fully focused on getting this one done.”
Ngezi are coming in with momentum.
They are yet to lose this season, three wins and two draws, and last week they made a statement by becoming the first team to beat CAPS United. Mutiwekuziva was in charge that day.
“I don’t think that counts much,” he said.
“But being the first team to stop CAPS United which was on a roll is a huge motivation to the team.
“What it does to the players is remarkable. We are hoping to play well and get to win against Herentals.”On the other side, Herentals are looking for a response.
A 4-1 defeat to Hardrock shook them, one of their heaviest losses in recent seasons, and coach Paul Benza wants a reaction.
“I have challenged my boys to give me a response in the best manner possible after we lost to Hard-rock,” said Benza.
“We know Ngezi Platinum Stars are a good team, they have a good coach and are yet to lose this season. “We are certainly going to play with heart to ensure that we recover lost ground.”
