Ngezi Platinum Stars, under the astute leadership of coach Takesure Chiragwi, are on an exhilarating journey towards continental football success. Chiragwi’s vision and his team’s dedication have propelled them to the forefront of Zimbabwean football, where they aspire to conquer both the league and the prestigious Chibuku Super Cup.
Their recent triumph in the Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinals, secured through a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Herentals, showcases the grit and determination of this spirited squad. Reserve goalkeeper Chang Marioni emerged as the hero, making world-class saves to keep Ngezi Platinum’s dreams alive.
As the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log leaders, Ngezi Platinum Stars have just nine matches remaining in the league. Their path to Chibuku Super Cup glory seems promising, with a seemingly favorable draw pitting them against Black Rhinos in the semifinals. The other semifinal promises fireworks as Dynamos and Caps United collide.
The stakes are high in this competition, as the winners will represent Zimbabwe in the Caf Confederations Cup, while the league champions will earn a coveted spot in the prestigious Caf Champions League next year.
Coach Chiragwi, whose project is rapidly taking shape, expressed his delight at the team’s progress. Despite a less-than-perfect performance against Herentals, he emphasized the character and determination of his players as they pursue a historic league and cup double.
Chiragwi stated, “We are happy, and I appreciate the work that these players are putting in. It’s important to the players to win some silverware. Every competition that we compete in, we want to win it. That is exactly the reason we play football.”
Chiragwi took charge of Ngezi Platinum Stars last season with a clear mandate to win the league title. However, his ambitions extend beyond domestic success. He envisions building a team capable of sustained competitiveness on the continental stage, where Ngezi Platinum Stars’ previous foray was brief in 2017.
“We want to make sure we build a team that is going to compete in the league for a long time. This is exactly what we are doing, and in two to three years, I’m sure we will have a squad that is good enough to compete even in continental competitions,” Chiragwi affirmed.
Ngezi Platinum Stars must now shift their focus to the league, where they aim to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table. In a crucial match against Black Rhinos, they will seek to solidify their position as the league’s frontrunners.
This remarkable journey of Ngezi Platinum Stars under the guidance of Takesure Chiragwi is a testament to the club’s commitment to excellence and the unyielding spirit of its players. As they aim for continental glory, Zimbabwean football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate their progress.
Source: Newsday Zimbabwe
