Ngezi Platinum Stars experienced a significant shake-up after losing 13 essential players during the transfer season. However, coach Takesure Chiragwi remains confident as they prepare for their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opening match against newcomers Kwekwe United at Bata Stadium tomorrow.
The Miners faced challenges last season when they attempted to defend their league title. They ended up placing third on the table and lost the Chibuku Super Cup final to Dynamos. Additionally, the Mhondoro team made an early exit from the CAF Champions League in the first preliminary stage.
Financial difficulties affected the team because of the global platinum recession. At certain points, players protested about delayed wage payments. However, the situation has improved, and Chiragwi looks forward to a complete transformation.
Yesterday, the club organized an extravagant ceremony to introduce their players and new uniforms. Afterward, they headed directly to practice in preparation for the upcoming Kwekwe United match. For the second consecutive year, they start their campaign against a newly-promoted team away from home. Last year, they played Arenel Movers at Luveve on opening day, resulting in a disappointing scoreless draw.
Chiragwi stated, "We're starting away from home, but hopefully, we'll try our best to ensure we achieve a good result. I believe we've completed everything necessary during pre-season. It has been quite a productive period for us. We can only evaluate when we play that competitive game, and I hope to see the results of our work during Saturday's match."
He added, "From there, I think we'll identify areas that need improvement. But everything looks positive. Obviously, it's challenging when you prepare without knowing what you'll face. But generally, as football professionals, we've done what's necessary, and I believe we're ready to compete effectively."
The coach has strengthened his squad by adding former ZPC Kariba defenders Nyasha Gurende and Ashwin Karengesha. He also brought Clyde Jonga from FC Porto Academy, Francis Dylan from the local social team Turf Wolfs, goalkeeper Tendai Chirara from GreenFuel, and Trymore Murasiranwa from Valor in Canada. He feels confident these young players will perform well after they blend into the team.
Chiragwi explained, "It's difficult to lose first-choice players when you want continuity. But you must understand the football industry involves player transitions and coaching changes. It's standard practice. Our job as coaches requires planning how to address and manage these situations. We've recruited players who can contribute value to the team."
He continued, "We didn't necessarily bring experienced players like those we lost, but we used the opportunity to promote players from our development squad who we believe can compete and add value. I think we've created a balanced squad that will compete throughout the season. It's challenging during pre-season when you don't know what you'll face. But no coach prepares their team to lose. We always prepare to win, but since it's a competition, you must compete effectively. If you compete well, take your chances, defend effectively as a team, and maintain physical and mental readiness, your chances of winning increase substantially. That's what matters most."
The Miners faced challenges last season when they attempted to defend their league title. They ended up placing third on the table and lost the Chibuku Super Cup final to Dynamos. Additionally, the Mhondoro team made an early exit from the CAF Champions League in the first preliminary stage.
Financial difficulties affected the team because of the global platinum recession. At certain points, players protested about delayed wage payments. However, the situation has improved, and Chiragwi looks forward to a complete transformation.
Yesterday, the club organized an extravagant ceremony to introduce their players and new uniforms. Afterward, they headed directly to practice in preparation for the upcoming Kwekwe United match. For the second consecutive year, they start their campaign against a newly-promoted team away from home. Last year, they played Arenel Movers at Luveve on opening day, resulting in a disappointing scoreless draw.
Chiragwi stated, "We're starting away from home, but hopefully, we'll try our best to ensure we achieve a good result. I believe we've completed everything necessary during pre-season. It has been quite a productive period for us. We can only evaluate when we play that competitive game, and I hope to see the results of our work during Saturday's match."
He added, "From there, I think we'll identify areas that need improvement. But everything looks positive. Obviously, it's challenging when you prepare without knowing what you'll face. But generally, as football professionals, we've done what's necessary, and I believe we're ready to compete effectively."
The coach has strengthened his squad by adding former ZPC Kariba defenders Nyasha Gurende and Ashwin Karengesha. He also brought Clyde Jonga from FC Porto Academy, Francis Dylan from the local social team Turf Wolfs, goalkeeper Tendai Chirara from GreenFuel, and Trymore Murasiranwa from Valor in Canada. He feels confident these young players will perform well after they blend into the team.
Chiragwi explained, "It's difficult to lose first-choice players when you want continuity. But you must understand the football industry involves player transitions and coaching changes. It's standard practice. Our job as coaches requires planning how to address and manage these situations. We've recruited players who can contribute value to the team."
He continued, "We didn't necessarily bring experienced players like those we lost, but we used the opportunity to promote players from our development squad who we believe can compete and add value. I think we've created a balanced squad that will compete throughout the season. It's challenging during pre-season when you don't know what you'll face. But no coach prepares their team to lose. We always prepare to win, but since it's a competition, you must compete effectively. If you compete well, take your chances, defend effectively as a team, and maintain physical and mental readiness, your chances of winning increase substantially. That's what matters most."
