Ngezi Platinum Stars seek to win second Chibuku title Rodwell Dhlakama

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars have set their sights on clinching a second Chibuku Super Cup title by claiming the scalp of FC Platinum in the final at Mandava Stadium on Sunday.

The Mhondoro-based club won the first Chibuku Super Cup title in their debut Premiership season in 2016 by beating FC Platinum 3-1.

The 2016 final was played at Baobab Stadium, with ex-national Under-20 captain Liberty Chakoroma grabbing a brace, while Kelvin Bulaji weighed in with the third.

Defensive midfielder Gerald Takwara, then with FC Platinum, found the face-saver for the Zvishavane side.

Ngezi goalkeeper Nelson Chadya is the only survivor from the team that played in the 2016 final.

The two teams will be meeting for the third time in the Chibuku Super Cup having been drawn in the same group in the preliminary stages.

Ngezi won the first group match 2-1, courtesy of a brace by Bruno Mtigo, while FC Platinum got their consolation goal from Silas Songani.

Goals by midfielder Innocent Mucheneka and Rainsome Pavari powered FC Platinum a 2-1 victory in the second game.

Ngezi coach Rodwell Dhlakama fancies his chances of winning the title, which eluded them in 2019 when they were beaten 1-0 by Highlanders in the final, courtesy of a hotly contested Prince Dube goal.

“In 2019 we were robbed. I will never take that as a loss, it was a manufactured loss and it’s unfortunate the record will have that summation. But this is a different game, different opponents, but same objective, same expectation and same feelings. We want to win it,” said Dhlakama.

“We are excited to be in the final because we are going to select a medal of our choice and our 2019 final opponents will watch from the terraces. Poetic justice I will say, as we play a team that eliminated them is exciting,” said Dhlakama, taking a dig at Highlanders, who were knocked out of the competition by FC Platinum.

Ngezi started preparations for the final on Tuesday following their goalless league draw against Bosso last Sunday.

The injured pair of former national team midfielder Denver Mukamba and utility player Keith Murera sat out Tuesday’s training session, waiting for results from the medical team. They picked up injuries against Bosso and failed to last the entire match.

“Keith (Murera) and Denver (Mukamba) haven’t recovered. We’ll get medical reports from the doctor today (Wednesday). I’m not sure of the progress they would have made come weekend, but I’m sure if they recover, we can use them. They are important members of the squad,” said Dhlakama. – @ZililoR

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