Ngezi keep dream alive
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . . . . (0) 3
NGEZI PLATINUM STARS kept their hopes of a league and cup double alive after booking a place in the Chibuku Super Cup final, courtesy of an emphatic win over Black Rhinos at Bata Stadium yesterday.
Madamburo turned on the power in the second stanza after a subdued first half.
They got their goals from Malvin Gaki, Malvin Kwinjo and Cloud Mapoka.
The win proved to be a milestone for Ngezi Platinum Stars gaffer Takesure Chiragwi, who was at a loss for words after booking his first final as a coach in the top-flight.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Chiragwi. “To do something that people will acknowledge you for doing is simply overwhelming.
“I am happy that this is my first cup final as a coach; it’s more important to me as it gives me more motivation and energy going forward.”
Having seen his side play second fiddle in the first half, he admitted that it was not an easy win for his charges.
“Black Rhinos played some good football, and, unfortunately, they failed to convert the chances that came their way.
“We managed to do that (in the second half) and it made the difference in the end,” he said.
His opposite number, Saul Chaminuka, cut a dejected figure after the final whistle.
“We came here full of hope and eager to win,” he said.
“We had this dream of wanting to represent the country in Africa, but, unfortunately, the dream has been shattered,” said Chaminuka.
“Credit to Ngezi. They completed their task convincingly and we only have ourselves to blame for failing to convert the chances that came our way.”
In the end, the match turned out to be a game of two contrasting halves, as Black Rhinos dominated the first period but failed to make it count.
Ngezi, on the other hand, took control of the second half and capitalized on it.
Rhinos came close to getting an early goal in the first minute, when a powerful volley by Garikai Dematsika drew a fine save from Ngezi goalkeeper Marion Chang.
Chang was called again into action in the 20th minute, denying Lot Chiwunga, who had unleashed a powerful volley inside the box.
On the half-hour mark, Black Rhinos were unlucky not to break the deadlock after Ngezi Platinum Stars defender Polite Moyo hit his own upright in an attempt to clear a Tatenda Machisa free-kick.
Ngezi Platinum Stars came back from the break a more determined side.