The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
ON October 15, 2016,Tonderai Ndiraya’s Ngezi Platinum Stars held FC Platinum to a 1-1 draw at Mandava. That result prevented Norman Mapeza’s side from reclaiming top spot as Caps United dropped two points against Dynamos at the National Sports the following day. A week later, Madamburo booted Highlanders out of the Chibuku Super Cup, shattering Bosso’s dream of a league and cup double.
On November 5, Ngezi Platinum Stars extended their fairytale with a 3-1 victory over FC Platinum in the Chibuku Super Cup final at the Baobab.
Another double dream was shattered.
Today the Mhondoro side comes face-to-face with log leaders and title favourites Caps United at the National Sports Stadium with the spotlight firmly on Ndiraya.
FC Platinum trail Caps United by two points and are banking on Ngezi beating or restricting Makepekepe to a draw.
A victory for Ngezi plus a win for Mapeza’s side against Highlanders at Mandava this afternoon will leave FC Platinum on top.
A draw at the NSS coupled with a win for FC Platinum will leave Caps United and Pure Platinum level on 58 points going into the last round.
Highlanders, who are yet to lose a match against FC Platinum at Mandava since 2012, are still in with a mathematical chance in the championship race.
They too are banking on Ndiraya.
A victory for Ngezi at the NSS, coupled with a win for Highlanders will leave Bosso just a point behind Makepekepe going into the final round of fixtures.
A draw at the NSS could also aid Bosso’s cause as the Bulawayo giants will end the day two points behind Makepekepe.
Ndiraya has remained calm through it all, and has been telling the media that the season is not over yet.
Ngezi Platinum are fighting for a top-eight finish after the earlier target of surviving relegation was revised midway through the season.
“My boys are eager to break Caps United’s unbeaten record at home. We also want to finish in the top eight, so our next two matches are very crucial,” said Ndiraya.
Ngezi Platinum Stars held Caps United 1-1 at the Baobab in the reverse fixture. They complete their debut top flight season at home against Mutare City Rovers.
Makepekepe gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe acknowledges Ndiraya’s boys have become a banana peel assignment.
“They are a very good side, they have become more compact under Tonde. Ngezi were the best team in the Chibuku Super Cup and that shows you how dangerous they are.
“As log leaders, it is also good to play against the Cup winners, so it should be a very interesting duel for the neutrals,” said Chitembwe.
