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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
CHAMPIONS Ngezi Platinum Stars have squeezed their way back into the picture after a stuttering start to their title defence.
The Mhondoro team looked tired in the early stages of the current campaign, dropping points enmasse triggering some panic in their camp.
But they are back on track after registering their third consecutive win for the first time this season when easing up to a 2-0 victory over Bikita Minerals at Sakubva on Saturday.
Last season’s Golden Boot winner and Soccer Star of the Year finalist Takunda Benhura who has been blowing hot and cold has also awakened with the 22-year-old grabbing his fourth goal of the season on Saturday.
With the striker, who is now two goals behind the leading scorers in the league, starting to regain his touch, the Takesure Chiragwi boys are increasingly looking solid. And Benhura, who hit the net 13 times last year, said his team needed to settle their nerves to start getting the results consistently.
“There was always going to be a lot of pressure on our part given we are the defending champions,” said Benhura.
“We needed to withstand all that to start seeing the light.
“But we started slowly, drawing games which were supposed to be routine wins for us.
“Every team wants to beat the champions and it’s always difficult for us. They drive you to a tight corner and you need to battle on but sometimes it’s very tough to get the points.
“But there was always room to adjust and be back to the level we were in last season.
“The coaches have worked hard to help us because you could see that mentally we were not at our best.
“But everything is starting to kick in now. We are no longer as far as we were from the top three, four weeks ago. We have tremendously improved and we are still picking up. Once we get to settle and be at the level we were in last year, then we can start to be competitive.
“We just need to be consistent, get results, and be focused and we need to build from the momentum that we have established.”
Benhura’s priority is to help Ngezi Platinum Stars retain the championship but he is also keen to defend his top goal scorer’s accolade.
“I am part of the team and I need to work very hard and be a functional organ in the set up.
“The ultimate aim is for Ngezi Platinum to win matches and possibly defend the league title.
“But I also want to score as many goals and see where I will be at the end.
“The race for the Golden Boot is taking shape and there are a lot of good players who are raising their hands in this race,” he said.
“You look at Juan Mutudza (FC Platinum), Lynoth Chikuhwa (Highlanders), Never Rauzhi (Bulawayo Chiefs), William Manondo (CAPS United), and Walter Musona (Simba Bhora) among others, they are good players and can score at any given time.
“But I will be eager to race on and see where I will be but get me right, the priority is not individual glory but to help the team.”
Online Reporter