Ngezi extend fine home run

Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 3 Green Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

TABLE-TOPPERS Ngezi Platinum Stars extended their winning streak at home to five consecutive matches when they put on a polished show to dismiss Green Fuel in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Baobab Stadium yesterday.

Ageless captain Qadr Amini led the way once again, grabbing his eighth goal of the season, before Delic Murimba and Bruno Mtigo sealed a convincing win.

Dead-ball specialist Amini struck from a 13th minute free-kick and Murimba gave Ngezi the insurance goal they needed when adding the second 12 minutes later.

It was as good as over on the hour mark when Mtigo made it three through a powerful volley.

Ngezi have now amassed 45 points. For Green Fuel, it was their third consecutive defeat on the road.

Despite being happy with the result, Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi has demanded consistency from his charges.

“What is important in football is to have the consistency and get maximum points,” said Chiragwi.

Ngezi enjoy a three-point cushion over Manica Diamonds and four over Highlanders, who are in action this afternoon when they host Yadah at Barbourfields.

“It is now difficult to answer the question of us winning the title but what we are doing is to build a team that will compete for a long time.

“We are not worried about being at the top of the log but we want to build the brand of Ngezi Platinum and be dominant for a longer period.

“We are in a competition and if the title comes our way, it’s a bonus,” he said.

Green Fuel gaffer Rodwell Dhlakama remains optimistic the debutants can survive the chop.

“You lose some and win some … what we need is to maintain the status.

“We need to win our games. Yes, it has been difficult on the road but I am confident of us remaining in the league,” said Dhlakama

Green Fuel found themselves being pegged back right from the onset and they never really got a chance to impose their game.

It was from the incessant pressure that Green Fuel conceded a free-kick.

Amini scored from the resultant setpiece.

He then turned provider when he beat his marker on the flank before sending in a low cross, which Murimba tapped home from close range.

Although Green Fuel came back from the break a better side, their spirits were deflated when Mtigo scored Ngezi’s third from a counter raid.

Yet a minute before Mtigo struck, Green Fuel had come close to getting one of their own when Collins Dhuwa controlled a cross from the right flank but skied his shot over the bar.

Soon after surviving that scare, Ngezi launched a long ball from a goal-kick that fell into Mtigo’s path.