Chronicle Editor
Gerald Sibanda
ZUBAIR Ali is one of a rare crop of youngsters who managed to pack their bags and leave home seeking greener pastures elsewhere.
Ali, 21, joined the Platinum miners in Mhondoro in 2020 from Bulawayo’s FMSA Umguza and has never looked back.
In his first year at Ngezi’s developmental side, the young striker unfortunately did not play any matches as football globally was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the following year, he was one of the players that got promoted to the first team which was coached by Rodwell Dlakama who is now at Greenfuel.
“I can say that the promotion came as a surprise to me but I want to believe it was as a result of my hard work while at the developmental team,” Ali said.
After being promoted he made one appearance in the first team in a league match against Bulawayo City at Baobab Stadium, a match in which Ngezi won 5-0.
“Of course, I felt a little bit nervous going into the match but the fact that the team was leading comfortably, it made it easier hence gelling was not that difficult,” said Ali.
He was also part of the team that lost the 2021 Chibuku Super Cup final to FC Platinum.
After limited game opportunities, he was loaned back to the developmental side in 2022 during former coach Benjani Maruwari’s tenure with the first team.
He managed to register four assists in 10 appearances for Ngezi Under-19s who compete in the Northern Region Division One league. This season he has started four games and developmental side coach Klifton Kadurira has used him as a right back.
“I never imagined myself playing as a defender but this is football, there is no room for complaints, I am just grateful that I am getting the game time I need,” he said.
Ali said although it was not easy at first to settle, he now feels at home as he is used to everyone.
“My favourite teammate at Ngezi was Denver Mukamba,” he said.
Mukamba is now at Dynamos where despite his fan appeal, he has been restricted to the bench.
Ali started his football career as an eight-year-old at Magwegwe Old’s Golden White FC. He scored 56 league goals at junior level with the team.
Ali then joined Highlanders legend Thulani “Biya” Ncube’s Biya And Friends Academy where he stayed for half a season before moving to FMSA Umguza Academy.
He helped the team to win the Southern Region Under-17 League title alongside skillful son to former Bosso’s Farai Mujokoro, Lexington.
Ali scored 14 goals that season.
The young player says his dream is to return to the elite league and even play in Europe.
Online Reporter