Sports / Soccer
Ndiraya ready for Dembare
28 Mar 2018 at 17:44hrs | Views
DYNAMOS are a house on fire but Ngezi Platinum coach Tonderai Ndiraya gives the impression that their showdown at Baobab tomorrow could be their toughest battle.
Ngezi Platinum have been ruthless in the first two matches, dismissing Herentals and Triangle by an identical 2-0 score line, home and away respectively.
And in the process, Ndiraya is on course to equal his best start in the first three matches achieved last season.
DeMbare on the other hand watched as their 3-0 lead went up in smoke at Rufaro on Sunday, sharing the spoils with Shabanie after a 3-3 draw in the process.
That is the only point they have collected after the 1-0 defeat to Chicken Inn in the first day.
"We treat all the games in the same manner and we give them the respect they all deserve. The rewards are the same and that is our approach," Ndiraya told H-Metro yesterday.
"We will see what happens," he added.
After three games last year, Ngezi Platinum had collected nine points. This was after getting the better of the Black Rhinos (1-0), Hwange (0-3) and How Mine (2-0).
In 2016, before Ndiraya's arrival, Ngezi managed only four points in the first three games.
Now they are going against the grain to equal last year's 10 percent record and be part of the pacesetters, a group that also includes FC Platinum and Highlanders so far.
"It is a good start for the team. It's only the beginning but I am glad we are laying a good foundation."
The win in the lowveld showed Ngezi Platinum's real intent.
"It was a difficult match. The temperatures don't help matters and the players had to fight harder for a result.
"Triangle are a strong team and it's just unfortunate that they have lost the first two games," said the coach.
During off-season, Ndiraya was forced to make some adjustments.
He had lost his captain Patson Jaure and while their last season's best player Qadr Amini has been ruled out for the entire season through injury.
"The team is stronger in all departments this year. We lost some key players in Jaure, Davison Tavari and Amini but acquired some able replacements
"Amini scored eight goals for us and was one of our top performers. He was also the club's most valuable player. His experience and goals will be greatly missed. We however have cover in young Nielon Ketala," he said.
Ngezi still have the likes of Godknows Murwira, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Donald Teguru, players they can still greatly count on.
Last season Ngezi Platinum lost the title towards the end, with defeat to FC Platinum at Mandava being the final nail in a season they had promised much.
"The season is long and full of twists and turns. Some teams, including us have started well but consistency in collecting points will be key. Our new players are still adjusting to our system but they have been progressing well," said Ndiraya.
NGEZI PLATINUM'S FIRST THREE MATCHES
2016
Mutare City 0-3 Ngezi Platinum
Ngezi Platinum 1-1 CAPS United
Hwange 2-0 Ngezi Platinum
2017
Ngezi Platinum 1-0 Black Rhinos
Hwange 0-3 Ngezi Platinum
Ngezi Platinum 2-0 How Mine
Ngezi Platinum have been ruthless in the first two matches, dismissing Herentals and Triangle by an identical 2-0 score line, home and away respectively.
And in the process, Ndiraya is on course to equal his best start in the first three matches achieved last season.
DeMbare on the other hand watched as their 3-0 lead went up in smoke at Rufaro on Sunday, sharing the spoils with Shabanie after a 3-3 draw in the process.
That is the only point they have collected after the 1-0 defeat to Chicken Inn in the first day.
"We treat all the games in the same manner and we give them the respect they all deserve. The rewards are the same and that is our approach," Ndiraya told H-Metro yesterday.
"We will see what happens," he added.
After three games last year, Ngezi Platinum had collected nine points. This was after getting the better of the Black Rhinos (1-0), Hwange (0-3) and How Mine (2-0).
In 2016, before Ndiraya's arrival, Ngezi managed only four points in the first three games.
Now they are going against the grain to equal last year's 10 percent record and be part of the pacesetters, a group that also includes FC Platinum and Highlanders so far.
"It is a good start for the team. It's only the beginning but I am glad we are laying a good foundation."
"It was a difficult match. The temperatures don't help matters and the players had to fight harder for a result.
"Triangle are a strong team and it's just unfortunate that they have lost the first two games," said the coach.
During off-season, Ndiraya was forced to make some adjustments.
He had lost his captain Patson Jaure and while their last season's best player Qadr Amini has been ruled out for the entire season through injury.
"The team is stronger in all departments this year. We lost some key players in Jaure, Davison Tavari and Amini but acquired some able replacements
"Amini scored eight goals for us and was one of our top performers. He was also the club's most valuable player. His experience and goals will be greatly missed. We however have cover in young Nielon Ketala," he said.
Ngezi still have the likes of Godknows Murwira, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Donald Teguru, players they can still greatly count on.
Last season Ngezi Platinum lost the title towards the end, with defeat to FC Platinum at Mandava being the final nail in a season they had promised much.
"The season is long and full of twists and turns. Some teams, including us have started well but consistency in collecting points will be key. Our new players are still adjusting to our system but they have been progressing well," said Ndiraya.
NGEZI PLATINUM'S FIRST THREE MATCHES
2016
Mutare City 0-3 Ngezi Platinum
Ngezi Platinum 1-1 CAPS United
Hwange 2-0 Ngezi Platinum
2017
Ngezi Platinum 1-0 Black Rhinos
Hwange 0-3 Ngezi Platinum
Ngezi Platinum 2-0 How Mine
Source - hmetro
