dyton mupawaenda
Don Makanyanga in Mhondoro-Ngezi
Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
Hwange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
NGEZI Platinum Stars maintained their impressive run at Baobab Stadium with a win over Premiership returnees Hwange yesterday.
Two first-half goals from centre back Kudzai Chigwida and bustling striker Tinotenda Murasiranwa gave Ngezi Platinum the all-important win and saw the Mhondoro-based team maintain pole position on the Castle Lager Premier League table.
Marceline Mlilo ensured that Hwange did not return home empty-handed with a second-half strike.
The platinum miners started on the front foot, with pressure keeping their opponents at bay for the larger part of the match.
The attacking duo of Murasiranwa and Delic Murimba tormented the Hwange defence throughout the first half, and it came as no surprise that Ngezi scored the all-important goals.
It took only 12 minutes of play for the hosts to take the lead as Chigwida headed home a Nigel Makumbe free-kick from the right channel.
It did not take long for the second goal to come either, this time Murasiranwa pouncing on a defensive lapse by Nedrick Madeya in goals for Hwange to give the hosts a 2-0 lead in the 28th minute.
Hwange came back from the breather more determined, and took the game to the hosts.
That pressure finally paid off, three minutes before the hour mark, when Mlilo beat Nelson Chadya with a well-taken freekick.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi was happy to register the win in his team’s first game after a three-week break.
“It’s very important that we started off with a win as it gives us a lot of energy going forward,” said Chiragwi.
“We didn’t know how we were going to perform because of the long break, but, with this kind of performance, I think we are in the right direction.
“The boys played well and managed to do everything that we worked on at training.
“We are happy with the result, that is exactly what we wanted, which is to collect maximum points at home,” said Chiragwi.
Results at a glance
Bulawayo Chiefs 0-2 Green Fuel
Manica Diamonds 1-0 Sheasham
FC Platinum 2-0 Chicken Inn
ZPC Kariba 2-1 Yadah
Online Reporter