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Bruce Chikuni Sports Reporter
THE Castle Lager Premiership could have a new leader tomorrow if second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars collect maximum points against stubborn Herentals at Mandava.
Ngezi Platinum, who trail Highlanders by two points, will spend at least 24 hours at the top if they win as Bosso take on Chicken Inn in a tricky Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Interestingly, both Highlanders and Ngezi Platinum failed to get the better of their weekend’s opponents in the first round of the campaign with Ngezi settling for a stalemate in a six goal thriller against the Students and Bosso managing a point in a goalless draw. Herentals are no pushovers and they have managed 11 points in their past five assignments, one less than Ngezi Platinum making tomorrow’s clash too close to call.
Ahead of the Bulawayo derby, Highlanders and Chicken Inn have both claimed 10 points in their previous five outings, which implies that they are in the same bracket.
Given how close the teams are, on current form, there is also an opportunity for third placed Manica Diamonds to close the gap at the top as they face newcomers Green Fuel.
Manica Diamonds trail by eight points.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach, Takesure Chiragwi said his wish is to see improvement from his troops in every assignment.
“The boys did well against Triangle, they are really trying their best for this team to be competing at this level and they know we still have a lot of work to do. I’m more worried about our performance than the championship because we are trying to be a more solid team with these youngsters.
“Of course we are in a better position to challenge for the title but the main focus is to see progress from these youngsters, to be better in each and every game that we play as it will give us direction of where we are going.
“I must say we are happy with what we are achieving, we are in a competition and if manage to finish this race as leaders, I will be happy. We are not worried about how other top teams are playing because it is not our target to chase the title,’’ said Chiragwi.
Herentals coach, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva said they will be no excuse should his side drop all points.
“The boys performed well last weekend to get a point against a strong side like Manica Diamonds and if we are to show the same determination tomorrow, I believe we can get a positive result.
“We are playing one of the title favourites and we also managed to score three goals against them in our previous meeting something which also gives us confidence. Our concern will be in our defence because we also conceded three goals which I think we could have done better.
“We are not satisfied with our position on the league table and we are targeting a positive result at all cost for us to be on the safe side of the log,’’ said Mutiwekuziva.
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