Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season began, few would have tipped Ngezi Platinum Stars to emerge as the league’s last unbeaten side after 13 matches.
The odds appeared heavily stacked against the former champions even before a ball had been kicked.
They had lost a host of key players, were slapped with a FIFA transfer ban that prevented them from signing replacements and had to adjust to life under a new coach following the departure of Takesure Chiragwi.
Yet against all expectations, Ngezi Platinum have quietly put together one of the most impressive starts to the season.
Now sitting third on the table with 23 points from five wins and eight draws, the Mhondoro-based side have become one of the most difficult teams to beat in the league.
Coach Kumbirayi Mutiwekuziwa believes the foundation of their success has been built on unity, discipline and collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
“The secret behind the unbeaten run really is the fact that we work as a team,” said Mutiwekuziwa.
“If you look at how we played against Highlanders at Barbourfields, you can tell that this is a team. We do not rely on individual brilliance but rather teamwork.
“We play together with teamwork being key while at the same time showing resilience, and that has been our secret to success. So far we are happy with what we have done as a team.”
The coach has earned praise for steadying the ship during what many expected to be a turbulent campaign.
Ngezi lost several influential players ahead of the season, including Obriel Chirinda, Kudzai Chigwida, Nyasha Gurende, Delic Murimba, McDonald Makuwe, Richard Hachiro, Talent Chamboko and Takunda Benhura.
Their challenges were compounded by a FIFA-imposed transfer ban linked to the club’s failure to settle dues owed to former assistant coach Bongani Mafu.
Mafu was dismissed together with former head coach Benjani Mwaruwari in 2022, and both successfully challenged their dismissals through FIFA.
Mafu was awarded US$196 750 last September, while Mwaruwari was granted close to US$600 000 after lodging his claim later.
Ngezi Platinum appealed Mafu’s ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport but lost the case, leaving the FIFA decision binding and resulting in the transfer embargo.
Despite those setbacks, Mutiwekuziwa has managed to mould a competitive side that continues to punch above its weight.
