Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN Ngezi Platinum Stars clash against Scottland at Rufaro this afternoon, the Mhondoro miners will be looking to replicate what they did last season when they faced the same rival at the same venue.
Ngezi left Rufaro a feted side after becoming the first side to hand a then much-hyped Scottland their first defeat via a 1-0 loss.
That solitary goal from Kudzai Chigwida in the second half placed a damper on Scottland’s campaign, which had kicked off in a gush attracting a lot of fans and hype.
It was a Match-day three fixture 2023 champions Ngezi enjoyed the support of neutrals and other fans from Scottland’s rivals, mostly Dynamos and CAPS United supporters.
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa, who was an assistant to Takesure Chiragwi back then, will be hoping to stage yet another upset against Scottland.
“I will not say much but I still recall the love we felt last season when the same fixture played out and obviously it would be good to experience the same again.
“A lot has changed for the two sides, there will be new coaches in the dugout and some new players as well but we are putting our best foot forward, we want points,” said Mutiwekuziwa.
Just like Ngezi, Scottland have also undergone a coach change with Norman Mapeza replacing Tonderai Ndiraya.
Mutiwekuziwa began his reign as Ngezi head coach with a 2-1 win over FC Platinum at Baobab last Saturday.
Mapeza’s men held to a goalless draw by league debutants Hardrock away at Chahwanda.
“Obviously opening our season with a win is a massive confidence booster for both the coach and the players,” he said.
“You want to carry that form into the season so coming into this fixture we have a good launchpad…and the message to the boys is to bring that form into this game.
“I know some of the boys can be intimidated by big names of the players and even the coach so as part of the preparations, we had to ensure that we do not overlook the psychological aspect.”
Despite losing at least seven players in the team that did duty at Ngezi last season, Mutiwekuziwa is confident that he still has enough depth to cause an upset.
Ngezi had to recall most of their players who had joined various teams on loan.
This saw the return of Tinotenda Murasiranwa, Ellison Mweha among others with the former making it into the starting line-up last week.
Mutiwekuziwa added that the team covered a lot of ground during the preseason where they put in an extra shift to ensure they build a strong ‘new look’ side.
“You know when players go out on loan, yes they will be getting game time but they will be also adopting a new style of play based on that club’s philosophy,” he said.
“We had to work hard in the preseason to ensure that we are all on the same page because once the season starts, there is not enough time for that.
“I am happy with how we all adjusted, and when we managed to upset a giant like F.C Platinum who even went beyond borders for preseason I was really impressed.
“We told the boys to stick to our style of play and instruction, keep the faith and tell ourselves that we can do it.
“I was here last year when we beat Scottland, and so were most of the players on the team so it is a matter of believing and telling ourselves that we can do it.”
With Scottland largely made up of big names in the league, Mutiwekuziwa acknowledged that they will once again be the underdogs.
“We told the boys not to look at statuses, we just need to focus on our game without intimidation,.”
