Sinokubonga Nkala
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND are determined to build a formidable team following their promotion to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
They have struck a deal with three players from Ngezi Platinum Stars, goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, defender Gareth Madhake and midfielder Marvelous Mukumba, for the upcoming Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
These players will join the likes of 2024 Soccer Star of the Year, Walter Musona, first runner-up, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Tichaona Chipunza and Peter Mudhuwa.
Rumours are also circulating that Soccer Stars’ second runner-up, Khama Billiat, could be joining the Mabvuku outfit while Kingsley Mureremba, a Soccer Star of the Year finalist, has already signed with the team.
It has been reported that the three Ngezi Platinum players have already received permission to leave their current club.
“The players approached the club and said they want to leave,” said a Ngezi Platinum insider.
“In as much as this is not what we wanted, it is within their rights to play for any club of choice as long as they do the formalities. So, we cannot bar them.
“They are our senior players who featured in the starting line-up, so this comes as a huge blow to the club, but we wish them well at their new home.”
The new development has left the 2023 PSL champions ‘grounded’, forcing them to rebuild next season.
Although Ngezi Platinum are traditionally known as one of the busiest clubs on the transfer market, they have broken with tradition this time around.
According to the insider, they will be recalling all their players on loan.
Head coach Takesure Chiragwi will also promote some players from the Ngezi developmental side to the senior team.
Ngezi Platinum are in a financial quandary after former head coach, Benjani Mwaruwari, filed a substantial US$1,6 million lawsuit with Fifa, claiming unfair dismissal by the Mhondoro-based club.
They are also expected to pay Mwaruwari’s assistant at the time, Bongani Mafu a sum close to US$200 000 for the same reason.
With platinum firms downsizing globally due to plummeting metal prices, the club finds itself in a fix.
“We will not be going shopping in the off-season; it may be just one or two additions but we are largely looking at promoting our juniors,” said the source.
“It will not be an easy task but we have to do it anyway and the boys will have to mature fast because they will be thrown into the deep end.”
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