In a script that felt more like a Hollywood underdog story than a typical Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League opener, Ngezi Platinum Stars managed to silence the noise surrounding their off-field turmoil.
The Mhondoro-Ngezi-based side put aside a crippling Fifa transfer ban and a massive player exodus to secure a gutsy comeback victory over rivals FC Platinum in the season’s first platinum derby.
The victory comes at a time when many pundits had already written off the team's chances for the season. The club’s financial struggles have been well-documented, culminating in a severe Fifa transfer ban that prevents them from registering new players.
This sanction followed a failure to comply with an arbitration ruling ordering the club to pay almost US$200 000 to former head coach Bongani Mafu.
According to Fifa’s head of dsciplinary, Americo Espallargas, the club is barred from signings for up to three consecutive registration periods, a blow that left them unable to replace the talent they lost over the break.
The off-season was particularly brutal for Ngezi, as they lost head coach Takesure Chiragwi and nine key players to Harare giants CAPS United.
Among those who departed were stalwarts such as Kudzai Chigwida, Obriel Chirinda, Richard Hachiro, Takunda Benhura, and Talent Chamboko.
However, on the pitch, the remaining squad showed they were not ready to surrender. FC Platinum drew first blood just seven minutes into the game when Jarrison Selemani unleashed a powerful shot after Mbakondja Tjahikika expertly chested down a Garikai Dematsika cross.
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Teams
Ngezi Platinum Stars - Darlington Murasiranwa, Gomezgani Chirwa, Praise Machengete, Leslie Kashitigu, Brooklyn Katumba, Farai Madhanaga, Qadr Amini ( Spenser Mugariri 67'), Nisbert Muzenda, Marvelous Mukumba, Malvin Gaki (Tinashe Mavhudzi 67'), Tinotenda Murasiranwa
FC Platinum - Manfred Ekoi, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Nickson Nyasulu, Maxwell Paipi, David Mangesi (Takunda Manyuchi 74') Garikai Dematsika ( Tadiwa Muchenje 58'), Hagiazo Magaya, Mbakondja Tjahikika (Emmanuel Godbey 58'), Jarrison Seleman, Oscar Bhebhe ( Tinashe Ruzive 58), Trevor Bhunu (Takunda Vareta 74')
Ngezi refused to buckle, and Marvelous Mukumba levelled the score three minutes before the break by pouncing on a rebound that had come off the upright.
Mukumba then turned hero again three minutes after the restart, doubling the lead after being set up by a clinical assist from Qadr Amini.
Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva was full of praise for his squad’s mental fortitude after the final whistle.
He thanked God and the club management for the opportunity to lead the team during such a difficult transition.
"Firstly, I would like to thank God we have given us the opportunity and also to thank my Ngezi Platinum Stars management for according me the chance to be in charge of their team,” Mutiwekuziva said.
“ This is an opportunity that is not normally easy to come by and also looking at the transition that has happened.
"But I am quite happy as a coach starting with a positive result against their rivals. It was not going to be an easy match, it was not an easy match, looking into the aspect that FC Platinum is a big brand at the same time and they have dominated Ngezi Platinum several times when it comes to this derby. So I am happy with a good start, a good beginning.
“I hope the fortunes will keep going forward and also happy with the way the boys have played, being the first game.”
