dyton mupawaenda
Paul Pindani in Ngezi
NGEZI PLATINUM coach, Takesure Chiragwi has conceded that things are not well in their camp at the moment, as the struggle for points continues in the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
Chiragwi told Zimpapers Sports that he expected his team to have wrapped up all three points against Yadah at Baobab on Wednesday but had to settle for a 2-2 deadlock.
The Miracle Boys drew first blood through a strike by Evans Rusike, while the hosts restored parity through their captain, Qadr Amini.
Tinotenda Murasiranwa gave Ngezi Platinum the half-time lead after 32 minutes while Khama Billiat broke the hearts of the fans after equalising in the 64 minutes to make it two all.
“We are in a difficult moment. We thought we were going to create a win today, unfortunately, we couldn’t manage and we conceded two unnecessary goals. But it’s part of football.
“And you could feel and understand the players, what is going through their minds, especially where we are coming from,” said Chiragwi.
He added: “We are not getting the results that we want, but we also need to motivate them (players) and make sure we remain together as one team. That is important.
“We also thank God for that one point. It’s more important than to lose a match. We are happy they did their best. They are also trying their best week in and week out,” said Chiragwi.
The reigning coach of the year is confident they will get over the current dry spell and become competitive again.
“I will make it and don’t have to lose hope. We have to keep on pushing and keep on motivating the players because if they keep on dropping points, it might grow into a very dangerous disease for the players.
“As professionals, I think they understand that the phase that we are going through will pass.”
On Sunday, Ngezi Platinum will be at Rufaro for a date with Dynamos, who have not been playing well so far this season.
Ngezi Platinum have only managed one victory and Chiragwi is worried that they are failing to put together a solid all-round action —when they score, the opposition also scores, and when they fire blanks the defence also keeps blank sheets.
“Against Yadah, we scored two goals which is good but unfortunately we also conceded two goals and that is what is happening to us so far. If you don’t score, you don’t concede. If you score you concede. So, we need to work on the players’ mental strength in terms of concentration level.
“Will make sure we are tight if we get a goal and make sure we defend very well,” said Chiragwi.
On the trip to Dynamos on Sunday, Chiragwi said every game is a big game.
“Like I have always said. We are the champions. Everyone wants to play and beat us. Everyone puts 100 percent when playing against us, so it’s us who need to change all this.”
“We know we are going to get it right. We are not even far. Yes, we are on eight points and the team on top has 15 points, which is less than seven points.
“We just need to make sure we win. That is what is important. In two games we recover and we know we can do that. Definitely, will get up there,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive was not happy with the chances they fluffed in previous matches leading to the draw at Ngezi Platinum.
“We were creating chances but we couldn’t score. Today, it was a different story. But still, I am worried about my defence. We are going to the drawing board so that we work with our defence,” said Ruzive.
He was very happy that Billiat finally got his first Premiership goal.
“I am very, very happy. That was the time I was waiting for. And I am happy for him. Billiat is not an ordinary player. You can see he is a very experienced player,” said Ruzive.
Online Reporter