Ndiraya happy with preps
NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Tonderai Ndiraya is happy with his team’s preparations ahead of their Confederation Cup maiden campaign against Pamplemouse on the weekend of February 10-12 in Mauritius.
The 2016 Chibuku Super Cup winners won the ticket to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup in their debut season in the top-flight league.
“I am very happy and everything is going on well,” said Ndiraya.
“Donald (Teguru) started his pre-season training yesterday after battling an ankle injury he sustained last season.
“Every player we wanted is here at Ngezi except for Xolisani (Moyo) who still has some issues to sort out with his club.
“We still have one slot for the goalkeeper and we are running around looking for one.
“We will play friendlies, starting this weekend, although it has been very difficult to find a team as most clubs are still on their off-season break.”
Ngezi bolstered their squad by securing the services of Godknows Murwira, Qadr Amin, Edgar Mhungu, Mclive Phiri and Dominic Mukandi
The club has also shown interest in signing ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya, who is in Gabon with the Warriors.
Willard Manyengavana, the chairman of the ZIFA Grounds Committee, was in Ngezi last week for preliminary inspection.
“We were in Ngezi and we were satisfied with what we saw. We have approved it and we now wait for CAF to send their representative who will conduct the final inspection,” said Manyengavana, who is also the Northern Region chairman.
Meanwhile, Shabanie Mine have appointed Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu as their head coach with immediate effect.
Mpofu replaces Tendai Chikuni, who did not renew his contract with the miners and joined Chapungu.
“I can confirm we have appointed Mandla (Mpofu). He came out tops when he beat a number of coaches who were vying for the job,” said club chairman Elias Marufu.
“We have now started a process of acquiring accommodation for him and once that is sorted we are going to come up with a date when the club will conduct trials.”
Mpofu beat favourite Godfrey Tamirepi for the job.
Tavaka Gumbo, Philani Ncube, Taku Shariwa, Partson Ndabambi and Philemon Mutyakureva had applied for the job.
“It feels good to be appointed the coach to one of the biggest clubs in the country. In terms of support they come after Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United,” said Mpofu.
“I am, however, still to put pen to paper. The fans at Maglas are passionate, they want positive results. I am not under pressure, but I promise to work hard and deliver.”