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Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S representatives in the CAF Champions League Ngezi Platinum Stars have unveiled exciting talents Tinotenda Meke and Malvern Hatigovane in preparation for the continental club championships.
The Mhondoro side also revealed they have adopted Zambia’s Heroes Stadium in Lusaka as their alternative home ground in the competition, as Zimbabwe currently does not have a CAF-approved venue for international matches.
Ngezi Platinum chief executive officer Amanda Lieto yesterday told Zimpapers Sports that the club has opted for Zambia due to its proximity and also confirmed they submitted their 30-member squad ahead of the CAF deadline.
“We are pleased to announce that Ngezi Platinum Stars FC will be hosting its home matches at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia,” she said.
“Due to our local stadia not meeting the required homologation standards, we explored alternative options and settled on Zambia, given its proximity to Zimbabwe.
“This decision will also enable our players to have sufficient rest and competitive playing time in our local premier league.”
The platinum miners yesterday unveiled four new additions that they made to their squad during the mid-season transfer window.
Meke, who was a revelation on his national team debut during the recent COSAFA Cup in South Africa, is joining the reigning Zimbabwean champions from GreenFuel.
Ngezi Platinum also agreed with Bulawayo Chiefs for the services of central defender Hatigovane, who will be on the books of the Mhondoro side on loan until the end of the season. Hatigovane proved himself a decent defender during the COSAFA Cup.
The Mhondoro side, who are also in the running to retain the domestic championship, certainly scooped their rivals on landing the signatures of Meke and Hatigovane.
Other than the duo, Ngezi Platinum Stars also added to their roaster young talents Tanaka Munemo from Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe and Blessed Mashonganyika from Legends Academy.
Ngezi Platinum Stars are set to embark on the CAF Champions League for the first time this year. However, they are not new to continental football, having previously participated in the second-tier Confederation Cup.
“We’re pleased to confirm that we’ve met the player registration deadline for the Champions League, with 30 players successfully registered . . . and are eager to explore ways to enhance our team’s competitiveness,” said Lieto.
“Increasing the registration limit in our local league to 40 players would allow us to provide more opportunities for our players to develop and compete at the highest level.
“This would be a great boost for our teams and help us prepare for international competitions like the Champions League. The club will be releasing two players during the midseason window.
“The club has harnessed talent from our local market and are confident that the team will perform well and provide our players exposure during the Champions League competition.”
Ngezi Platinum Stars Champions
League squad:
1 Amini Qadr
2 Benhura Takunda Wilson
3 Chadya Nelson Tapiwa
4 Chamboko Talent
5 Chigwida Kudzai
6 Chikowero Tatenda
7 Chirinda Obriel
8 Demera Moses
9 Gaki Malvin
10 Hachiro Richard Cuthbert
11 Hativagoni Malvern
12 Karima Tadiwanashe Derick
13 Kashitigu Leslie Peter
14 Madhake Gareth Tanyanyiwa
15 Madhanaga Farai Edwin
16 Makumbe Nigel
17 Mandinyenya Tapiwa
18 Mapoka Claude Wellington
19 Mariyoni Chang Shupai
20 Mashonganyika Blessed Tashinga
21 Mavhurume Carlos
22 Meke Tinotenda
23 Moyo Polite
24 Mukumba Marvellous
25 Munemo Tanaka Nigel
26 Musariranwa Tinotenda
27 Muzenda Nisbet Joe
28 Mweha Ellson
29 Ngwena Adams Chris
30 Tigere Never
Online Reporter