Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi is predicting a fiercely-contested Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race this season, with at least seven teams fancying their chances of lifting the championship trophy.
The 2023 league champions dramatically re-entered the title picture over the weekend, securing a thrilling come-from-behind victory over fellow aspirants TelOne at Baobab Stadium on Saturday.
The 2-1 victory, sealed by rapid-fire goals from Kudzai Chigwida and Nesbert Muzenda, felt more like a statement than a mere three points.
It propelled Ngezi Platinum into fifth place on the log, six points adrift of leaders Simba Bhora.
More significantly, it injected a fresh jolt of confidence into a team that began the season facing the daunting task of rebuilding after more than 10 senior players departed.
With 11 games remaining in the season, Chiragwi believes it's still all to play for, even counting Herentals, currently in seventh position with 35 points, as potential contenders.
"There are a lot of games to be played before the season ends," Chiragwi remarked, his tone brimming with confidence. "And you see how the teams at the top are congested in terms of the log from the number one, probably to number seven. Any team there can win the championship."
Indeed, the log table is a tight knot of ambition. Second-placed Scottland, MWOS (third), fourth-placed FC Platinum, TelOne on sixth, and even Herentals are all within striking distance, making this season's run-in one of the toughest in recent memory.
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But for Ngezi, the narrative is particularly compelling.
Chiragwi's decision to blood a new generation of talent has paid dividends. Names like Tanaka Munemo, Tashinga Mashonganyika, Ashwin Karengesha, and especially Nesbert Muzenda have become integral to the team's identity.
Muzenda, a Young Warriors midfielder, epitomised the youthful exuberance that defines this Ngezi side against TelOne.
It was his expertly struck free-kick that led to the equaliser, fumbled by the goalkeeper for Chigwida to hammer in.
Moments later, he unleashed a moment of brilliance, weaving through the box with skill to score the winner.
"Muzenda is a set-piece specialist, and when he got in, he gets a free kick... struck a very good free kick which was fumbled by the goalkeeper and we scored," Chiragwi explained, clearly impressed.
"He is also a very skillful young man, and he used his skill in the box to score a brilliant goal."
The coach’s praise extends beyond Muzenda, encompassing the entire crop of young players who have stepped up.
"We have a lot of youngsters in the team, but we are happy with how they are performing. At the right time, these youngsters are coming up now to add value. And you saw Tashinga Mashonganyika, who started at right-back... he is just 19 years. They are growing in confidence, and I think we have a very good team to compete next season. But we are still there to compete this season."
This is not just about developing for the future; it's about competing now. After finishing fourth last year in a subdued title defence, the platinum miners are not content with a supporting role.
"I can't give a percentage, but we are obviously in the mix," Chiragwi asserted. "We just need to keep on grinding results. Then let's see what happens at the end of the season. Like I've said before, we are not a team that fights relegation. We are a different club now, and we have big ambitions."
The signs are undeniable, Ngezi Platinum Stars, fuelled by youthful energy and a renewed sense of purpose, are once again serious contenders.
Their journey to reclaim the title continues this weekend with a crucial trip to Bulawayo to face Highlanders on Sunday.
Matchday 24 fixtures
Saturday: TelOne v Manica Diamonds (Ascot), Simba Bhora v Chicken Inn (Wadzanayi), Dynamos v MWOS (Rufaro), Zpc Kariba v GreenFuel (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Scottland (Mandava), Yadah v Triangle (Heart).
Sunday: Herentals v Kwekwe United (Rufaro), Bikita Minerals v Caps United (Gibbo), Highlanders v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields).
