Ngezi shoot to the top

Don Makanyanga in MHONDORO-NGEZI

Ngezi Platinum Stars ….. (3) 5

ZPC Kariba …………………… (1) 1

NGEZI Platinum Stars’ fans had many reasons to celebrate yesterday after both their Premiership team and Division One side powered to victory.

Earlier on, Northern Region Soccer League outfit Ngezi Under-19 thumped Omnia 2-0 to remain unbeaten in five games.

They are still perched at the top of the log standings. The win seemed to have thrown a challenge to their Premiership seniors, and Takesure Chiragwi’s men sent a powerful statement of intent with a ruthless demolition of ZPC Kariba.

Their emphatic victory ensured the platinum miners dislodged CAPS United from the top of the table, at least for 24 hours.

CAPS United are in action this afternoon when they face Dynamos in the Harare Derby.

After enduring a slow start to the season, during which they drew four of their opening matches, yesterday’s win — their third on the bounce — took their points tally to 13, one ahead of CAPS United.

A brace from Walter Vuwa in either half and one apiece by Nigel Makumbe, Leslie Kashitigu and Takunda Benhura powered the hosts to the biggest win by any top-flight team this season.

ZPC Kariba got their consolation from Leeroy Murape’s first-half strike. Chiragwi chose to be modest about his team’s comprehensive win.

“We are just on top,” said Chiragwi.

“There is nothing much to talk about for now as some clubs (CAPS United and Highlanders) will play tomorrow (today).

“Being on top, for now, does not mean that we have won the league.

“We need to work hard to maintain the position.

“What is important from now is to get better every week.

“We always train to win games, and it (the league) is a competition that we need to play to win.”For ZPC Kariba, who, like most of the Premiership teams, are having to travel even for their home games because of lack of suitable facilities, yesterday’s defeat was their third consecutive loss.Their coach Darlington Dodo blamed their defeat on fatigue.ZPC Kariba are having to play their home games in Harare because Nyamhunga is yet to pass the test to host elite league matches.

“We gave away soft goals. However, the major problem is what I am observing from these boys is fatigue.

“It is tough for them now.

“Where we need to manage the game and express ourselves, we seem now to be conservative and that is killing our game,” said Dodo.

He also defended his goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi.

“I do not want to single out indivduals as we play as a team.

“The whole team has to accept blame for the defeat,” he said.

Results: Manica Diamonds 4-0 RhinosBulawayo Chiefs 2-1 Yadah StarsNgezi Platinum Stars 5-1 ZPC Kariba

NRSL: Harare City 2-1 PAM FC

ZRP Harare 1-1 Herentals Under20 Ngezi Under-19 2-0 Omnia

Trojan Stars 0-1 Golden EaglesChinhoyi 1- 0 MWOS

Banket 0-0 Chegutu Pirates

Concession United 0-2 Commando Bullets