Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
KUMBIRAI MUTIWEKUZIVA has walked in the shadows of Takesure Chiragwi at Ngezi Platinum Stars in the past two years.
But the former Herentals gaffer is looking at the period in a positive manner rather than examining the downside.
Mutiwekuziva shocked the football landscape when he agreed to leave his post at The Students to understudy Chiragwi in Mhondoro.
Having guided Herentals into the Premier Soccer League from the Northern Region Soccer League in 2017 and leading them to a sixth place finish on their top-flight debut in 2018, Mutiwekuziva’s profile was enjoying a steady growth.
That wasn’t least after he transformed them into a top-eight club in 2021-2022 and 2023 while reaching the final of the Chibuku Super Cup in 2022.
“It’s not like I left Herentals because I didn’t believe in them. It’s a team that gave me the platform and I will always regard them as my home,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“But when the offer to deputize Chiragwi at Ngezi Platinum Stars came, I never had second thoughts. I decided to move from my comfort zone and joined in.”
In 2024, Mutiwekuziva held the fort for Chiragwi who was often out with the Warriors where he was the assistant coach to Michael Nees, taking charge of all the Chibuku Super Cup games before the team lost in the final against Dynamos.
Chiragwi has now joined CAPS United and Mutiwekuziva has been handed command of Ngezi for the 2026 season.
Rather than letting him go along with the entire technical bench, which Chiragwi took to Makepekepe, Ngezi have opted for continuity with all eyes now on Mutiwekuziva to keep the engine running.
“I have learnt a lot from Takesure Chiragwi. I arrived here two years ago when he was the coach. I have been tapping on his experience and outstanding knowledge of the game,” added Mutiwekuziva.
“He knows a lot of football stuff and I benefited a lot from working under him. I am now used to this Ngezi Platinum Stars environment.
“I guess it won’t be very difficult for me to work here as the head coach. I also believe that the time I spent at Herentals shaped me well. I am eager to showcase what I can with Ngezi Platinum Stars.”
Mutiwekuziva has since started re-constructing the project after several players left to link up Chiragwi at Makepekepe.
Most of the key players from the past two seasons including Kudzai Chigwida, Obriel Chirinda, Talent Chamboko, Richard Hachiro and Nyasha Gurende tagged along with Chiragwi.
Ngezi have, however, retained quite a number of good players who include Leslie Kahitigu, Tanaka Munemo and Ashwin Karengesha.
They also recalled those with institutional memory like Tinotenda Murasiranwa from Manica Diamonds and Malvin Kwinjo who was with TelOne.
One of the standout players at Triangle last season Praise Machengete is now at Ngezi as is former Bikita Minerals mainstay Spencer Mugariri and Proud Gorekore, who was with Kwekwe United.
“It’s looking good and we are very happy with the new players who have just come in.
“They are full of energy and I can’t complain. I am keen to prepare for the upcoming season and make sure that the team stays true to its value,” Mutiwekuziva said.
