Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THREE Ngezi Platinum Stars players – ‘keeper Nelson Chadya, defender Gareth Madhake and midfielder Marvelous Mukumba – are on their way to newboys Scottland.
They are set to join 2024 Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona, first runner-up Lynoth Chikuhwa, second runner-up Khama Billiat, Tichaona Chipunza and Peter Mudhuwa.
Soccer Star of the Year finalist Kingsley Mureremba has already penned a deal with the club.
Zimpapers Sport understands that Chadya, Madhake and Mukumba have already advised their employer of their intended move.
“The players approached the club and said they want to leave,” said a source.
“In as much as this is not what we wanted, it is within their rights to play for any club of choice as long as they do the formalities, we cannot bar them. They are our senior players who are often if not always featured in the starting line-up.”
Sources said Ngezi are likely to recall all their players who were away on loan and will not spend big on the transfer market.
Coach Takesure Chiragwi will be asked to promote some players from their developmental side.
Ngezi are currently in a financial quandary after former coach Benjani Mwaruwari filed a substantial US$1.6 million lawsuit with FIFA, claiming unfair dismissal. They are also expected to pay Benjani’s assistant at the time, Bongani Mafu, close to US$200 000 for unfair dismissal.
“We will not be going shopping in the off-season, it may be just one or two additions but we are largely looking at promoting our juniors,” said the source.
“It will not be an easy task but we have to do it anyway and the boys will have to mature fast because they will be thrown into the deep end.”