IN the face of adversity, champions find a way. Despite a Fifa-imposed transfer ban and a significant exodus of talent, Ngezi Platinum Stars have emerged as early pacesetters in the Premier Soccer League.
Following a stellar start to the campaign, head coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva has officially laid down the gauntlet, declaring his team’s intention to reclaim the ultimate prize.
The Mhondoro-Ngezi-based side underlined their credentials over the Easter double-header, handing log leaders Caps United their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 victory at Baobab Stadium, courtesy of an early strike from Ashwin Karengesha. They followed up with another 1-0 win over Herentals at Rufaro Stadium, moving to 14 points from six matches and third on the table. The team is yet to taste defeat this season, alongside Dynamos, Scottland and Highlanders.
Mutiwekuziva, who succeeded Chiragwi, dismissed claims that the club’s restricted squad depth would limit their ambitions.
"We are competing, aiming for the PSL title. No team can say that we are just making up numbers," he said. "We compete the same way against every team in the league."
Mutiwekuziva said they are ready to “compete with any team in the Premier League without complacency”, dismissing the notion that Ngezi is merely making up the numbers due to their restricted squad depth.
Tomorrow, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva and his youthful squad will host Triangle United FC at Baobab Stadium, where they have maintained a 100% home record this season, having already defeated FC Platinum, ZPC Kariba, and Caps United.
A win could see them leapfrog to the top of the PSL standings, depending on results from Caps United and Dynamos.
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Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matchday Seven fixtures
Tomorrow: Fc Hunters v Caps United (Rufaro), Hardrock v Agama (Chahwanda), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Triangle (Baobab), TelOne v Chicken Inn (Ascot), Bulawayo Chiefs v Scottland (Barbourfields).
Sunday: Highlanders v ZPCc Kariba (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Fc Platinum (Rufaro), Manica Diamonds v Herentals (GreenFuel Arena).
Monday: MWOS v Simba Bhora (Ngoni)
