Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi has expressed immense satisfaction with his team's impressive rebuild, which has seen them sit in sixth place in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with 35 points from 22 matches.
This puts them just eight points behind log leaders Simba Bhora, a remarkable feat considering the significant player turnover the club experienced after losing their championship title last season.
Ngezi Platinum, who were champions in 2023, saw their reign end last season at the hands of Simba Bhora.
The aftermath was substantial, with as many as 13 players, many of them regulars, departing the Mhondoro-Ngezi-based side.
Chiragwi's sentiments came on the back of a crucial 1-0 home victory against Harare giants CAPS United last Wednesday, secured by an early headed goal from McDonald Makuwe.
"Thank you so much for noticing that. I'm happy you have realised that. You see where we are on the log. It tells a lot in terms of the work that is being done behind the scenes," Chiragwi stated after the match, highlighting the conscious effort put into shaping the new squad.
The coach praised the rapid development and cohesion within his revamped team.
"These guys are improving and the youngsters are now gelling up,” he said.
- Chicken Inn lose again, Bullets boost survival hopes
- Chiefs take aim at Ngezi
- Brito confident of upstaging FC Platinum
- ZPC Kariba thumps Manica Diamonds
Keep Reading
“And the good thing is, they are now gelling up where it matters most. And now coming into play, which is more important for the team.
“And we just hope they keep on continuing like this. And it's a very good project that we are going through."
Chiragwi also emphasised the importance of continued focus and development for his young squad.
"And I hope these guys put their heads down to make sure they concentrate on their development going forward,” he said.
“If they can compete with big guys like this and come up winners, what else do you ask for?"
Despite the exodus of key players like long-serving goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, Nigel Makumbe, Tinotenda Murasiranwa, and Never Tigere, Ngezi Platinum have managed to assemble a competitive unit.
The club had earlier unveiled six new players to bolster their ranks.
Among the notable new signings were goalkeeper Darlington Murasiranwa, who previously played for Valor FC in Canada, and the duo of defender Nyasha Gurende and striker Ashwin Karengesha from ZPC Kariba. Other additions included Clyde Jonga (FC Porto Academy), Francis Dylan (Turf Wolfs), and goalkeeper Tendai Chirara (Green Fuel).
Last year, Ngezi Platinum Stars finished fourth in an unsuccessful attempt to defend their title.
However, with the current trajectory and the evident progress of the new squad, Chiragwi is confident in their ability to challenge for top honors once again this season.
The current signs certainly suggest that the platinum miners are back in the hunt.
