Ngezi bank on home advantage

NGEZI Platinum believe home comforts will help them beat Harare City when the two sides clash in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at Baobab his afternoon.

Tonderai Ndiraya’s troops have been impressive at home, but have shown weaknesses on the road where they lost 0-1 to lowly Shabanie Mine in their last match.

They were also handed a thorough 0-3 beating by CAPS United at Rufaro. Yesterday, the club’s spokesperson Calvin Mavunga said they want to maintain their good record at home. “Our aim is to collect maximum points. We have a good record at home and would love to maintain it.

“Unfortunately we lost to Shabanie last weekend but this is a crucial game which could have a huge bearing on our position in the title race,” he said.

“We are playing first (when compared to other clubs in the title race) and should we win it will thrust pressure on the other teams that will play at the weekend.

“We will play Dynamos and Chicken Inn at home, those are also difficult matches coming up and we have to try and collect as many points as we can.’’

Ngezi have been dealt a big blow and will be without star forward Terrence Dzvukamanja, who picked a shoulder injury in Zvishavane.

“He is our star player and I believe he is one of the best in the league, so, naturally we want him to play more games but as a team these things are expected and that is why we have 30 players,’’ said Mavunga.

Ngezi midfielder Walter Mukanga, is also out as he battles injury. Harare City coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube believes it won’t be an easy afternoon in Mhondoro for his men. “Definitely, it won’t be an easy game but we are going there with a positive mind and the first battle is to get three points and what will come second would be secondary. “We are facing a good side, a well-assembled side and we have two different objectives, as Harare City we are fighting relegation and they are fighting for the championship and so we definitely know it’s a tough task but we are ready for them,” said Ncube.

City have been buoyed by victory against Tsholotsho, who have found their range, in their last match.