The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Rodwell Dhlakama is confident of his charges challenging for honors in the forthcoming coming Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Worse still, after the Mhondoro-based outfit acquired and yesterday unveiled 12 new players led by seven-time league championship winner Devon Chafa.
After finishing fourth last season-their fourth of such finishes in as many seasons- the Platinum miners unveiled a blank cheque for Dhlakama to go out and strengthen his squad.
With the available resources in his Dhlakama has brought in 12 players, as replacement of the 12 players that the club let go during the current transfer window.
“We are going to leave no stone unturned, and no bush un-scanned, as we are challenging for honors this season.
“Most of the players that were released were either not playing or we felt that they did not have enough experience to take the team forward.
“It is for this reason why you see such a big number going out and coming in,” said Dhlakama.
The former Chapungu gaffer- who joined the Mhondoro based side in face of relegation mid-season last year- felt that there was need for an overhaul of the team.
“Honestly speaking I was not very happy with the way we played last season, and I want to remodel the team so that the philosophy and the vision of the team is achievable.
“The only way that you can do that is to make sure that you acquire players that have the pedigree.
“When we did our scouting; we made sure that we got players who had the right mentality, right attitude and the correct capability,” said Dhlakama.
He also felt there was need to boost his attack; which seemed to be a big letdown last season, managing a paltry 28 goals in 34 matches.
This translated to an average of 0.82 goals per match.
“We did not score much and the statistics are there for everyone to see.
“The conversion rate was very pathetic, therefore players we brought in were biased towards that area.
“We had to reinforce our defence, which was second best last season, and also brought in experienced players in the midfield,” he said.
Leading the pack of Ngezi Platinum Stars new signings is seven-time league championship winner Chafa who joined the club from rivals FC Platinum.
Other notable signings are 2014 soccer star of the Denver Mukamba from Chapungu FC, while the trio of Marion Chang, Anelka Chivandire and Kudzai Chigwida joined the Mhondoro based side from Triangle FC.
2019 Soccer Star finalist Wellington Taderera came in from Black Rhinos, while Nigel Makumbe joined the platinum miners from Bulawayo giants, Highlanders.
Former Yadah FC goal minder Issa Alli concludes the list of goalkeepers for Ngezi Platinum Stars for the 2020 season, with Junior Zindoga coming in from Maritzburg United.
Munashe Katondo has beeng promoted from the club’s developmental squad.
Nyasha Chintuli and Tendai Matindife conclude the list of new signings, with the two coming from Manica Diamonds and recently promoted Tenax FC respectively.
