The Sunday Mail
Ngezi Platinum. . . . . . . . . (2)3
FC Platinum. . . . . . . . . . . . (1)2
TONDERAI NDIRAYA added another chapter to a fairy tale run that nobody anticipated when he was appointed Ngezi Platinum Stars coach on June 16 this year.
Yesterday, he guided the Mhondoro based side to their maiden major silverware in only their debut top flight season when Ngezi Platinum knocked the lights out off Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum in an exciting Chibuku Super Cup final.
It was also Ndiraya’s first major title as a head coach. Former Young Warriors defender and Ngezi skipper Liberty Chakoroma blasted home a brace while Dynamos reject Kelvin Bulaji added another.
Gerald Takwara scored for FC Platinum.
Ngezi Platinum will represent the country in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup, if the owners of the club – Zimplats – give a green light. But that is a story for another day.
For now, Ngezi can enjoy their moment.
They were in the lead as early as the 10th minute when Chakoroma pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box and blasted it past a diving Petros Mhari. The FC Platinum goalie should shoulder the blame for Ngezi’s second, he spilled a harmless looking Walter Mukanga grounder and Bulaji converted from close range. Takwara pulled one back for Pure Platinum Play five minutes before halftime with a powerful shot almost similar to Chakoroma’s strike.
He was teed by a rather quiet Rodwell Chinyengetere. The second half came and as expected, FC Platinum pressed in search of the equaliser. They poured men forward, Marshal Mudehwe caused problems on the wing and Brian Muzondiwa looked a bit rejuvenated. Just when everyone thought FC Platinum were the most likely team to score, Chakoroma once again pounced on a loose ball and fired home via a deflection.
There was no way the visitors would come back. Ngezi defended resolutely, especially after the introduction of Davison Tavari.
“We had a dream, that dream was to play FC Platinum in the final because at that time they were leading the log standings. Here we are today, we spiced it up by winning with a two goal margin. This is extraordinary, well done to the boys, they deserve it,” said Ndiraya.
Last season, Ndiraya reached the Chibuku final with Dynamos as an acting coach and lost to Harare City at the National Sports.
This time he got it right.
“It’s good for me as a coach, this is the first for me as a head coach,” he said.
For Mapeza, focus shifts to the league.
“We have to win all the remaining matches without fail and see what position we finish in,” said Mapeza.
“Congratulations to Ndiraya and his boys, they did well.”
Teams
Ngezi Platinum: N. Chadya, T. Mchisa (D. Tavari 75), T. Chamboko, L. Chakoroma, P. Jaure, K. Bulaji (J. Nguluve 61), T.Dzukamanja (W. Pakamisa 83), N. Ketala, W. Mukanga, E.Tapera, D. Teguru
FC Platinum: P. Mhari, I. Nekati, K. Moyo, G. Bello, E.Moyo, G. Takwara, N. Masuku (W. Kamudyariwa 87), R. Chinyengetere, W. Musona, M. Mudehwe, B. Muzondiwa (M. Kawashu 62)
