malvernmugadzikwa
Don Makanyanga in GWERU
CAPS United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
AGELESS skipper Qadr Amini turned back the hands of time when he led from the front and played a true captain’s role to inspire Ngezi Platinum Stars to an important Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victory at Bata here yesterday.
Amini — with vast experience, having played for Dynamos and FC Platinum before moving to Mhondoro-Ngezi — took matters into his own hands as he found the decisive goal that ensured the platinum miners kept pace with unbeaten log leaders Highlanders.
The versatile Amini beat the half-time whistle when he struck from a free-kick in what was to be the game’s solitary goal and his team’s winner. Second-placed Ngezi were under pressure to avoid another slip-up as they arrived in Gweru five points behind Highlanders.
After yesterday’s win, they reduced the gap to two points. They now hope basement club Black Rhinos does them a favour by denting Bosso’s bright start to the season.
Highlanders host Rhinos at Barbourfields this afternoon.
A relieved Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi insisted they were not looking at Highlanders’ results but heaped praise on the captain for inspiring the team to victory.
The miners finished the game with 10 men following the expulsion of McDonald Makuwe.
“We are not worried about Highlanders . . . we are worried about improving Ngezi Platinum Stars. What we need is to improve the team, remain consistent, collect maximum points and see what happens,’’ said Chiragwi.
He acknowledged that the more experienced CAPS United had given them a good run for their money.
“It’s not easy to collect points from teams like CAPS United and worse still away from home. He (Amini) wants the team to win. Scoring that solitary goal to give us maximum points, taking the matters in his own hands, showing that kind of leadership tells you a lot about the player that he is,’’ Chiragwi said.
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe was not amused by the bluntness of his forwards, who spurned a lot of chances either side of the break.
“Losing a game brings with it disappointments. We started a bit low but after some changes in the second half, we began creating chances. With a little bit of luck, I think we could have won the match,’’ said Chitembwe.
Ngezi, probably mindful that a defeat for them and victory for Highlanders would see the gap widen to eight points, got off to an offensive start.
They were unlucky not to have found the back of the net in the opening minute when Bruno Mtigo saw his header ricochet off the cross bar, with Ashley Reyners beaten.
Amini was always sensing blood and four minutes later, he let go another stinging effort from the set piece, which needed the agility of Reyners to palm the ball out for a corner.
Despite being forced into defence mode, CAPS repelled most of the Ngezi attacks but were powerless to thwart Amini as he settled the visitors’ nerves in the referee’s optional time for the first half.
CAPS United, who are using Bata as their adopted home, fashioned a good chance of their own via Clive Rupiya who disposed Ngezi defender Polite Moyo just outside the box before unleashing a powerful grounder which just went wide.
Like Rupiya, Courage Nyathi latched onto a long clearance at the back and sent a hard and low effort that just wavered a few inches away from the upright post.
In a bid to improve things in his final third, Chitembwe then made a double substitution and sent on the experienced pair of William Manondo and Rodwell Chinyengetere for Hastings Chapusha and Rupiya.
Reigning Premiership Golden Boot winner Manondo and ex-Soccer Star Chinyengetere brought with them some urgency and options for the CAPS United attack but they met with some resolute defending by Ngezi. Late on, second-half substitute Delic Murimba released Tatenda Benhura down the right channel but the young forward could not beat Reyners from a one on one situation, and with it went a chance to give Ngezi a two-goal cushion.
As the clock wound down, Ngezi were reduced to 10 men when Makuwe was sent off for a second bookable offence, five minutes from time.
That left Chiragwi needing to manage the game and ensure there was no last-minute comeback by CAPS United.
Online Reporter