Bruce Chikuni
NGEZI Platinum Stars team manager, Tinashe Nengomasha, says he owes his maiden Castle Lager Premiership title to former Warriors hitman and captain, Benjani Mwaruwari.
When Mwaruwari came to Ngezi last season to replace Rodwell Dhlakama, he took a big risk by recruiting the inexperienced Nengomasha as manager.
Nengomasha had returned home at the end of a long-playing career in South Africa, where his best stint was with Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs.
The former Manchester City man was eventually relieved of his duties, along with the other members of his backroom staff.
Nengomasha was spared the axe and embraced by coach Takesure Chiragwi, who had taken over on an interim basis.
Chiragwi and Nengomasha grew up together in Glen Norah, and he feels that this was a contributing factor to their recent success.
This was Nengomasha’s first local title, as he moved to South Africa in 2002 to join Kaizer Chiefs, where he won three league titles and several individual accolades.
Nengomasha did not take Mwaruwari’s gesture for granted and he has dedicated his PSL gold medal to him.
“I don’t think this would have been possible without Mwaruwari’s bold decision to bring me to this place.
“I’m really grateful to him for believing in me because maybe, if it weren’t for him, I probably would have remained unemployed.
“He showed great love to me and it’s something I will never take lightly. It’s not easy to find a job, no matter how well-known you are,” said Nengomasha.
This milestone was heavily celebrated in Glen Norah, with two of their own helping Ngezi dethrone FC Platinum.
Nengomasha believes this will have a big impact on the Mhondoro community.
“People in Glen Norah have every reason to celebrate this achievement because that’s where everything started.
“I also believe that our success will have a bigger impact in Mhondoro because they witnessed something they had never seen before.
“I also want to appreciate coach Chiragwi. We grew up together and we really understand each other. He has the ability to win more because he has the energy and hunger,” he said.