NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi has refused to give up on the Premier Soccer League title race, claiming anything could happen in the second round of matches.
Madamburo fell seven points behind in the race after their defeat in the top-of-the-table thriller against log leaders Highlanders at Baobab Stadium at the weekend.
Lynoth Chikuhwa’s second half strike secured a narrow 1-0 victory for the Bulawayo giants, who are unbeaten at the midway stage of the season.
Bosso appear firmly on course to end their 17-year wait for the league title.
But Chiragwi, whose side was on top of the log not so long ago, before dropping a staggering eight points in the last four matches, believes his lads can still make a comeback and snatch the title, which will be their first ever.
“Highlanders are on top of the log, but we are also up there at the top,” Chiragwi said.
“We still have 17 games to play, so it’s too early to talk about the league title. What is important is to improve the team. We need to focus on how best we can do to overcome the setback and make sure we win the next game.
“Our main objective is to make sure we are improving this team to be better and compete at a high level for a long time. We will take the good things that we have done and try to improve on our mistakes as we go forward.”
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He felt his side was unfortunate to lose the “six pointer” match against Highlanders.
The home side dominated the larger part of the contest and created better chances.
Qadr Amini rattled the crossbar from a freekick, while Tapiwa Mandinyenya failed to beat Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda from a one-on-one situation.
Gareth Madhake also failed to beat Sibanda from a metre out late on in the match.
“That is what I have always said ... We need to be more clinical in front of goal. We lost three crucial points because of the mistakes that we made in terms of finishing in front of goal,” Chiragwi added.
Highlanders have 37 points, while Ngezi Platinum Stars are on 30 points at the halfway stage of the season.
Manica Diamonds, on third position with 29 points, are also in the title picture, while Dynamos and Chicken Inn, both on 28 points, are not far off the pace.
Defending champions FC Platinum dropped further back in the race after they were beaten by Sheasham at the weekend to fall 11 points behind the log leaders.
Matchday 18 fixtures
Saturday: GreenFuel v Yadah (Gibbo), Fc Platinum v Simba Bhora (Mandava), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab), Black Rhinos v Cranborne Bullets (Bata), Chicken Inn v Sheasham (Luveve), Zpc Kariba v Highlanders (Nyamhunga)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds v Caps United (Gibbo), Herentals v Triangle (Mandava), Dynamos v Hwange (Barbourfields)
