admin
Don Makanyanga Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi remains optimistic of his charges bagging silverware this season as they shift focus to the Chibuku Super Cup.
The Mhondoro-based side currently sits second on the 18-team league table and are five points behind log leaders Highlanders.
And with the Chibuku Super Cup first round matches scheduled for this weekend, Chiragwi and his charges have set their eyes on the knock-out tournament as they chase a double in the 2023 campaign.
“It is very important and we play to have a silverware in our cabinet and also important that we play for honours this season.
“And we will give the Chibuku Super Cup the same energy that we have given to our quest to have the league title,” said Chiragwi.
Following their 1-0 victory against Bulawayo Chiefs last weekend in the Premier Soccer League, Ngezi Platinum Stars will hope to build on the momentum as they shift their focus to the Chibuku Super Cup.
“Like I said, we really need to have silverware in our cabinet hence we now shift our focus from the league to the Chibuku Super Cup which is coming on Saturday against Triangle.
“It is a different ball game altogether and we need to work on the aspects of the game that pays particular attention to a cup game,” said the Ngezi Platinum Stars coach.
Having played to a goalless draw against Triangle away from home in the Castle Lager Premier League, Ngezi Platinum Stars are banking on last weekend’s win over Chiefs as they target to progress to the next round of the country’s premier cup competition.
“We have played Triangle once this season and we know how they play.
“We will use that knowledge we had to prepare for the match on how we need to approach the game but obviously what we are looking at is progressing to the next round of the of the tournament,” said Chiragwi.
Chiragwi believes his charges have what it takes to compete at the highest level as they chase for their second silverware in the top flight, having won the Chibuku Super Cup trophy in their maiden season in 2016.
“We have built a team that can compete week in and week out,” said Chiragwi.
“We are in a competition and if it comes our way we have to wrap it up. The league title is not our worry at the moment but we have to play games and see how it is going to end up at the end of the season.
“What is more important for the club is to improve the team that can compete for a longer period,” he said.
Chibuku Super Cup First Round Fixture:
Saturday: Ngezi Platinum Stars v Triangle (Baobab), Manica Diamonds v Black Rhinos (Gibbo), Chicken Inn v GreenFuel (Luveve), FC Platinum v Yadah (Mandava), Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields)
Sunday: Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields), CAPS Utd v Hwange (Bata), Herentals v ZPC Kariba (Mandava)
Online Reporter