Tadious Manyepo in MHONDORO-NGEZI
Ngezi Platinum Stars……………………….(0)2
Sheasham………………………………………(0)1
NGEZI Platinum Stars players danced their way to the changing rooms as if to signify the impending historic triumph after this victory at Baobab yesterday.
Their fans, who packed the 5000-seater facility, were in unison and they celebrated this win like never before.
But no one can begrudge them.
The league title could be on its way here, for the very first time, in Mashonaland West Province.
With three more round of fixtures before the curtain comes down on the intriguing season, Takesure “Deco” Chiragwi and his boys need just three points to be crowned champions.
They can even win it without picking any points in their last three matches provided second-placed Manica Diamonds and the pair of Dynamos and FC Platinum fail to pick all the nine points in their own fixtures.
And the air of optimism is sweeping across Ngezi, who can wrap the championship as soon as this Saturday when they play Simba Bhora at Baobab. Yet, they were nervy in yesterday’s game.
But, that again is understandable given how important the game was in terms of defining their history.
Premiership top-scorer Takunda Benhura and substitute Claude Mapoka scored for the hosts while Liberty Masveure got the consolation for the guests. It was a match that could have gone either way but with the backing of a capacity crowd and fully aware of its significance, the home team found a way to outwit their opponents.
“We are almost there now but obviously not there as yet. I want to salute the boys for this win, it’s a big win for out ambitions,” said Chiragwi.
“I told the boys to remain focused going into the match and they did just that. It was a really tough match because Sheasham plaued very, very well.”
Teams
Ngezi Platinum Stars
Nelson Chadya, Kudzai Chigwida, Polite Moyo, Takunda Benhura, Gareth Madhake, Leslie Kashitigu, Farai Madhanaga, Nigel Makumbe(Ellson Mweha 76th min), Tapiwa Mandinyenya (Marvellous Mukumba 65th min), Tinotenda Murasiranwa(Claud Mapoka 76th min), Qadr Amini(Bruno Mtigo 76th min)
Sheasham
Elton Sibanda, Dalubuhle Jubane, Collin Kwaramba, William Stima, David Mangesi, Roy Useni, Physiwell Madhazi, Liberty Masveure, Hillary Bakacheza, Polyester Shoko, Leonard Jani