Ngezi Platinum Stars finally kickstarted their season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over newcomers Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium on Friday, much to the relief of head coach Takesure Chiragwi. After stumbling out of the gates with two consecutive draws against Kwekwe United and Green Fuel, the Mhondoro-based side showed their championship pedigree to grind out a crucial win and get their campaign back on track.
The match, played under the lights at Rufaro, was far from a walk in the park for the title contenders. However, a moment of brilliance from super substitute Tinashe Mavhudzi proved to be the difference. The young forward, brought on in the second half, won a decisive penalty after a clever run into the box. Captain Kudzai Chigwida stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, sending the Ngezi faithful into raptures and securing their first three points of the season.
For Chiragwi, the victory was a much-needed boost after a slow start to the campaign. “This win is a confidence booster for us,” he said in his post-match remarks. “But what’s more important now is consistency—consistency in our performances, our tactical approach, and, most importantly, in picking up positive results. We’ll celebrate this win, but our focus quickly shifts to the next challenge.”
The win over Scottland may have been a step in the right direction, but Chiragwi knows his side cannot afford to rest on their laurels. With the tag of title contenders hanging over them, the pressure is on to deliver week in and week out. The departure of key players during the off-season, including long-serving goalkeeper Nelson Chadya and defensive stalwart Gareth Madhake, had raised questions about the team’s ability to maintain their high standards. However, Chiragwi has moved swiftly to rebuild his squad, bringing in reinforcements such as Canadian-based goalkeeper Darlington Murasiranwa and experienced defender Nyasha Gurende from ZPC Kariba.
In addition to the new signings, Chiragwi has also placed his faith in the club’s youth system, promoting several talented youngsters from the development side. Among them is Tinashe Mavhudzi, whose impact off the bench against Scottland highlighted the depth and potential within the squad.
As Ngezi Platinum prepares for their next fixture against Triangle United after the FIFA international break, Chiragwi will be hoping his side can build on this momentum. The victory over Scottland was a statement of intent, but the real test lies in maintaining that level of performance as the season progresses.
For now, the Madamburo faithful can breathe a sigh of relief and look ahead with optimism. With a blend of experience, youth, and tactical acumen, Ngezi Platinum remains a force to be reckoned with in the race for the title.
