The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga in MHONDORO
Ngezi Platinum . . . . . . . . . .3
Nichrut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
NGEZI PLATINUM STARS will maintain that it’s the points, rather than the show they put up, that matter while Nichrut will be wondering what the great Pele meant when he described football as the world’s most beautiful game.
For Nichrut, this Castle Lager Premier Soccer League affair proved that football can be a painful game as they left the Baobab empty handed despite putting up a solid performance that had the home side on the back foot for most of the match.
A fine free kick by Godknows Murwira, with just three minutes left, secured victory for Ngezi Platinum Stars who remain two points being log leaders FC Platinum.
Although not adding to their points tally, John Nyikadzino and his men went back to Shurugwi with their pride intact as they took the game to Ngezi even after going 0-1 down as early as the 13th minute. Marlon Mushonga fired home after being set up by Walter Mukanga.
Shepherd Sithole levelled matters on 25 minutes after being set up by Farai Vimisayi, the veteran forward who would later thrust his team into the lead six minutes into the second half.
With Nichrut defending resolutely, Ngezi needed to be patient with the ball and on 75 minutes, one sweeping move ushered Donald Teguru with a golden chance he could not miss.
Then up stepped Murwira with a beauty that left Nichrut goalie Talent Sande stranded.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Tonderai Ndiraya was the first to admit that his team were below par.
“It was a difficult game for us, we struggled to get our rhythm,” he said.
“It was not a performance we expected but at the end of the day it is how we went about business, how we fought back and collected the three points that pleased me. I am happy with the character shown by the players.”
Ndiraya added that his team will have to be consistent so as to continue putting pressure on FC Platinum.
Teams
Ngezi Platinum Stars: N Chadya,T Chipunza, L Chakoroma, K Bulaji, M Mushonga, D Teguru, P Moyo, W Mukanga (S Owusu 71’), T Mabvura, C Augusto (J Nguluve71’), G Murwira
Nichrut FC: T Sande, T Hapazari, N Moyo, F Vimisai, D Boriwondo, A Maliselo, S Sithole (C Rusere 83’), R Mutuma (W Pakamisa 70’), F Bushiri, N Mpinduki, T Ndlovhu.
