DESPITE a Fifa transfer ban and the loss of nine key players, Ngezi Platinum Stars have surged to second place in the league, three matches into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Central to this defiant start is 29-year-old midfielder Marvelous Mukumba, whose clinical form — three goals in three matches — has turned a preseason crisis into an impressive start.
Following a brace against FC Platinum on opening day, Mukumba proved the hero again on Wednesday, netting a winner 10 minutes from time to sink ZPC Kariba.
The result left Madamburo on seven points, just two behind leaders Caps United, a feat achieved by learning on a small core of experienced players who remained, young players and returning loanees.
But for Mukumba, the personal accolades take a backseat to the collective effort.
“I am happy to give the team the much-needed three points by scoring the winning goal. ZPC Kariba made it difficult for us,” he said.
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“It’s something I personally do not need to celebrate because it’s the team’s effort and not my individual brilliance.
“That is what made me score the three goals in the first three matches of the season. But I hope going forward, I will continue doing the same and helping the team win matches.”
With the club unable to recruit new talent, the veteran midfielder has emerged as a vital mentor.
Drawing on his own debut as a 17-year-old at Triangle, he has become the steadying influence for a young dressing room.
“To our youngsters, I have been telling them this is an opportunity to start your career,” he noted.
“Given the opportunity to play, showcase your talent, do your best, and everything will fall into place.
“So everyone is very motivated, and us as the senior players, we are doing our job to motivate and encourage the younger players to work hard each and every day.”
Other senior players who have remained include captain Qadr Amini, Leslie Kashitigu, Farai Madhananga, Polite Moyo and Malvin Gaki.
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutuwekuziva believes the league is finally recognising a talent that has long flown under the radar.
“He is an experienced player and he has been promising goals all the other seasons. I believe this is his season,” Mutuwekuziva said.
“He should show his capabilities. I know he is underrated in the league, but he is a very good player and we are beginning to see it.”
Ngezi Platinum Stars travel to Bulawayo to face Chicken Inn tomorrow.
If Mukumba maintains his Midas touch, the Madamburo ship won’t just stay afloat — it might just steer itself toward the trophy.