Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Takesure “Deco” Chiragwi is happy and worried at the same time.
He is not entertaining any talks about the championship despite leading the race with 12 games before the curtain comes down on the season.
“I have been telling my players to stay grounded. This is a marathon. One day we are up, the next day it is the other team so we need to stay focused in this race,” said Chiragwi.
“Our aim from the start of the term has always been to try and be competitive.
“We want to build a team that is able to compete at this level.
“I am happy we have been doing well but, as I have always said, we need to keep on working hard. Being on top of the log doesn’t mean anything yet.
“We have to be grounded and keep on fighting”.
The Mhondoro team have been boosted by the recovery of their chief striker Tinotenda Murasiranwa.
The 19-year-old has been out of action for the past four weeks after suffering a nasty injury in Ngezi Platinum Stars’ 2-0 Chibuku Super Cup Round-of-16 victory over Triangl five weeks ago.
He has subsequently missed key league fixtures against CAPS United, Triangle, Herentals and Manica Diamonds.
He will be available for selection on Saturday when Ngezi Platinum Stars look to consolidate their lead at the top against Green Fuel at Baobab.
“It’s been painful watching from the sidelines,” said Murasiranwa.
“I am however very happy that the team has been playing very well. You know as a footballer, you always want to be involved in some way.
“I have endured a long period on the sidelines nursing the injury. I am now back having started training last week.
“I am eager to help the team achieve their targets this season. My team, right from the executive, the players to the fans have been very supportive and I appreciate that a lot.
“I am happy to be back doing what I love the most, that is playing football”.