Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva says he is pleasantly surprised with the manner in which his youngsters have carried themselves in a season no one gave them a chance.
The Mhondoro miners, on 55 points, only slid off the title race last week but are firmly destined to finish the marathon in the top four.
They are six points off second-placed Scottland who are away on continental duty. Ngezi Platinum can slash the difference down to only three points with a win over Dynamos at Baobab this afternoon.
In hindsight, Madamburo could have been languishing in relegation zone given they never got a chance to reinforce their weakened team due to a FIFA ban imposed on them early this year.
In addition to losing seven regulars alongside members of the technical staff led by coach Takesure Chiragwi who all joined CAPS United, Ngezi Platinum Stars’ hands remained tied in the transfer market due to the FIFA sanctions.
Mutiwekuziva, for two years Chiragwi’s understudy, inherited the mess and the club was expected to struggle significantly in a league that witnessed a lot of market movement in its build up.
But they refused to budge. This afternoon Ngezi Platinum can take a huge leap in their bid to finish the term in the top three if they dump Dynamos who are also chasing after a strong finish of their own.
“When the season started, I just told my players to have that self-belief,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“I told them that they were as good as every other player from all the other teams.
“We have a lot of youngsters and a very few veterans. The veterans have played a huge role in making the young blood blend with the rest of the league.
“But I never foresaw the team doing these wonders, holding their own to be in the top three at this stage of the race.
“But looking quite intimately into my squad, I always believed they were capable of competing because they might be young but their character is big.
“I am glad to have shepherded them all the way from Day One.
“I know we will go far together and we just need to stay focused.”
Ngezi Platinum Stars will ensure a top four finish with a win over Dynamos but Mutiwekuziva knows it will take a great deal of work to take all the points from the Glamour Boys.
They won’t have one of their most prized man in Brooklyn Katumba who is suspended but the rest are available for selection.
“We are looking forward to the match with positive energy and attitude knowing that we are playing at home. I know that it’s going to be a tough match against Dynamos but we need teamwork and to believe in ourselves as a team as we have always done throughout the season.
“We know Dynamos will come at us as they are chasing a top four finish as well.
“But we are calm and we know we have a team that can fight for the badge in the entire 90 minutes.
“We are ready to give it our all and get to get those points on the board.”
Five teams including Ngezi Platinum Stars, Dynamos, CAPS United, Herentals, MWOS and Highlanders are involved in a fierce battle for the top four.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Herentals v FC Platinum (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Dynamos (Baobab), Chicken Inn v ZPC Kariba (Luveve)
Sunday: Triangle v Simba Bhora (Gibbo), AGAMA v TelOne (Wadzanayi), Manica Diamonds v Bulawayo Chiefs (Sakubva), Hardrock v MWOS (Chahwanda), FC Hunters v Highlanders (Rufaro)
Thursday (October 29): CAPS United v Scottland (Rufaro)
