Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CONSISTENT Ngezi Platinum Queens stand on the threshold of promotion into the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League following their remarkable performances that have kept them in pole position.
The Mhondoro side lead the Northern Region Women Soccer League with 35 points from 13 matches.
They now need to hold their nerves in their remaining two fixtures to steal their club historical feat. Ngezi hold a seven-point advantage over second-placed Scottland Queens who are on 28 points.
Seasoned coach Yohane Chikaola has guided Ngezi to an unbeaten season so far in which they only dropped points in two draws.
Former Mighty Warriors assistant coach Chikaola expressed satisfaction with his side’s positive progress in the second-tier league, also pointing to the inexperience f his young squad.
“We are working hard to try and win the two remaining games of the season because I cannot really say we are safe.
“These girls need time to develop without much pressure,” Chikaola.
With Scottland blowing hot and cold, Chikaola is also keeping check on Shedza Queens, who he has rated as “a genuine dark horse, capable of sneaking in on the big prize’’.
Third-placed Shedza Queens have the same number of points are third on the log standings, tied with Scottland on 28 points.
Shedza still have four games to play, and based on their current form, Chikaola has every reason to be wary.
“We are not looking far because the league campaign is still tight, the race is on and there is no room for complacency on our part.
“This season our league has been very competitive, it attracted players from top flight to join some of the teams in the region.
“So, teams beefed up their squads during the window period, resulting in improved standards as compared to last year.”
But it is the manner in which his rookies have defied their inexperience and withstood the pressure that comes with being log leaders, which has impressed Chikaola the most.
“I have seen a lot of improvement in the team, the young girls have a good work rate and their mental strength is incredible.
“Now every team we play wants to prove that they can beat us and even dent our promotion ambitions,” he said.
“We just came from a 1-1 draw against MWOS at Ngoni, it was a fierce battle, meaning no opponent is small in these dying moments of the season.
“When you look at them (MWOS) they are way behind us on the log standings but they gave us a torrid time which is what we should expect in the remaining games.”
To ensure that Ngezi remain focused, Chikaola has introduced psychological therapy sessions with his team daily.
“This is to ensure that the girls remain focused; we also encourage them to view each game/opponent as a new side.
“At this stage it is also important to teach them not focus on past results
“So, in other words, these sessions allow us to help the girls to improve their mental strength, character and help them develop a positive attitude towards each game.”
This week they face relegation-haunted Harare City Cubs and Chikaola knows they have to avoid complacency.
