NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi has implored his players to keep focused as they push for their first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title.
An 87th minute goal from an unlikely source, Kudzai Chigwida, secured a dramatic win over Yadah at Baobab Stadium on Sunday, a victory which helped them keep rivals at an arm's length in this season's intense title race.
Chiragwi's men with 57 points, have an eight-point lead over second-placed Dynamos who won 1-0 at ZPC Kariba over the weekend to ratchet up the pressure on the log leaders.
Highlanders slid down to third with 48 points after their goalless draw against Bulawayo Chiefs, and Manica Diamonds complete the top four with 47 points following their 2-0 win over Hwange on Sunday
There are five matches remaining, although Dynamos and Manica Diamonds have a game in hand from the two teams' outstanding fixture which was postponed a fortnight ago.
Chiragwi admitted he is beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel and has urged his players to finish off the job by ending the season on a strong note.
“The objective for us is to finish strongly, and this is exactly what we are doing," said Chiragwi who was pleased his side managed to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Dynamos on Wednesday last week.
“We will see by the end of the season how far we would have gone. We have five league games remaining, and we still need to work hard, put more focus, keep concentrating, and have more determination. I'm happy that is what these guys are putting, I can't complain because they are putting everything in this cause. It's not easy to play two games inside a week, but if they can still give you this kind of performance, then we are sure there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
- Panashe Mutasa comes of age at Tenax FC
- Dynamos back to winning ways
- Ndiraya backs Antonio to impress in Belgium
- Artists struggling to grasp intellectual property rights
Keep Reading
Ngezi Platinum Stars' next league match is a tough trip to the Colliery next week to face Hwange who have inched away from the relegation zone following a run of good results in recent weeks.
But before they could think about that, Chiragwi has a little matter of the Chibuku Super Cup semifinal against giant slayers Black Rhinos to deal with.
This clash is pencilled for Saturday at Bata Stadium; and Ngezi Platinum will be looking to win the match to keep their hopes of a probable league and Cup double alive.
Chiragwi believes the Yadah win raised morale in his camp ahead of the short trip to Gweru at the weekend.
“We are happy we responded to the Dynamos defeat quickly and got a crucial victory before we play our Chibuku Super Cup semifinal. This is a great motivation for us going into that match.”
The other semifinals will see Dynamos face off with Caps United at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Top four remaining league fixtures
*Ngezi Platinum Stars, 57 points*
Hwange (away), Sheasham (home), Simba Bhora (away), Cranborne Bullets (home), Highlanders (home).
*Dynamos, 49 points*
Manica Diamonds (away), Black Rhinos (home), Fc Platinum (away), Chicken Inn (home), GreenFuel (home), Yadah (away)
*Highlanders, 48 points*
Caps United (home), Triangle (away), Herentals (home), Manica Diamonds (away), Ngezi Platinum Stars (home).
*Manica Diamonds, 47 points*
Dynamos (home), Sheasham (away), Simba Bhora (away), Cranborne Bullets (away), Highlanders (home), Bulawayo Chiefs (away)
