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Veronica Gwaze
THE 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year, Qadr Amini, will once again have to lead from the front as his side, Ngezi Platinum Stars, plunge into the CAF Champions League competition for the first time.
Amini, who has previously seen Champions League action with Gunners and FC Platinum, will be the most experienced man in coach Takesure Chiragwi’s squad.
The versatile player, equally comfortable playing in defence as he is in midfield, was part of the Gunners outfit that won the 2010 Premiership title and then featured in the Champions League the following year.
Two years later, he was back in the same competition in the green-and-white colours of FC Platinum.
Amini also had a taste of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2017, when he was part of the Ngezi side that represented Zimbabwe after winning the 2016 Chibuku Super Cup.
This year will mark Amini’s fourth appearance in a CAF inter-club competition and his third in the Champions League tournament.
Unlike in his previous spells, Amini will be leading a bunch of rookies, with few of the Ngezi team that won the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title having previously had a dance in Africa.
The 33-year-old skipper, also voted Ngezi’s Player of the Year, revealed his excitement at having to return and face some of Africa’s best teams.
It was the allure of Champions League action that also influenced Amini into postponing his intention to hang up his boots. “I feel so excited to go and play again in Africa, facing other continental powerhouses . . . it is always a lifetime chance and experience for any player,” Amini said.
“It is that level of competition which every player wishes to have a feel of; I am happy to be going there again as a player. “Playing at this level is what any player would dream and wish for, and living the dream once more is one of the reasons I will don the Ngezi Platinum Stars colours once again.
“I feel and believe I still have more to offer in this game and for the team I have called home for years. In fact, it will just be fulfilling for me to be part of the Madamburo family for a little longer because they have been good to me in many ways.”
For all his long service to the game, including some international appearances for the Warriors, 2023 will no doubt be a stand-out year for Amini.
This is because of the treble of gold medals he bagged.
He also has a silver medal to add to his cabinet after Ngezi finished as Chibuku Super Cup runners-up.
Amini also chipped in with seven goals — five of them from set pieces — and five assists.
His leadership qualities were underlined by the fact that Ngezi were voted the PSL’s Most Disciplined Team for the second year running.
Ngezi had two more players — goalkeeper Nelson Chadya and 22-year-old forward Takunda Benhura — making it onto the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar.
The trio must now replicate their 2023 PSL showing in the CAF competition.
“I have been there before and learnt a lot,” Amini added.
“I understand the feeling and importance of football at that level . . . the professionalism and the atmosphere are amazing, especially when you play against Al Ahly of Egypt or Al Hilal of Sudan.
“At this level, we will need to be physically and mentally fit and have a deep tactical understanding as well . . . Here you do not just play for the sake of it; we cannot go there just to make numbers.”
Amini still has memories of all his outings against Egyptian and Sudanese giants Al Ahly and Al Hilal, respectively.
He notes that each one of the fixtures was a thriller for him.
“I encourage the youngsters to grab this opportunity with both hands. It is a potentially life-changing chance for everyone. This time there is no off-season for us. We are down to serious individual training in preparation for the huge task ahead,” noted Amini.
“A lot of scouts follow these games; other coaches will also be watching, so we need to step out there with all the focus and determination, and play our hearts out. However, above all else, it should never be about personal glory — we play with and for each other and win or lose as a team.”
Online Reporter