Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Castle Lager Premiership Coach of the Month accolade could have come at the most appropriate time to provide inspiration for Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi.
The Platinum miners’ coach is plotting to end the season on a high this Saturday when his team plays holders Dynamos in the season-ending Chibuku Super Cup final at Rufaro.
Chiragwi was yesterday crowned the best coach for November following a brilliant run in the final month of the campaign, while Highlanders’ forward Lynoth Chikuhwa was named the PSL Player of the Month.
Chiragwi believes the honour was a huge motivation for him and his team. He told Zimpapers Sports Hub the Mhondoro side are now aiming for the Chibuku Super Cup, which is their only hope for silverware this year and a pathway back to the Caf interclub competitions.
“This game is important to us because we need to finish on a high note and try to make sure that we can also go back to the African safari,” said Chiragwi. The Caf Confederation Cup ticket will be the biggest bonanza, apart from the trophy and the US$75 000 winners’ prize.
“Dynamos previously have been there and they would obviously want to go back again. So, it’s not going to be easy in the final. But we always pray for our club to win. This is a final, and there is no other game that is coming up afterwards, unfortunately. So, the two teams will have to fight hard for the honours to represent the country in the African safari. I think it’s going to be a very good day for both teams and may the better team win.”
The final is a remake of the previous edition when the two teams met at Baobab with Dynamos emerging 2-0 winners for their first Chibuku Super Cup title last year.
Ngezi Platinum Stars go into the 2024 edition on the back of a conquering run that saw them winning against big teams, including Dynamos themselves in a league match dubbed Chibuku Super Cup final dress rehearsal two weeks back.
They were unbeaten last month with three wins and two draws, to seal third place in the league marathon.
Beginning the month with identical 1-1 draws against Bikita Minerals and Chicken Inn, they then walloped Herentals 4-0, followed by a 2-0 win against Dynamos in a rescheduled game and a 3-1 thrashing of CAPS United in the last match of the campaign.
“Scoring was our weakest point this season. But, in our last six games or so we have been scoring goals, which also gives us a lot of confidence. When you are scoring goals week in and week out it’s easy for you also to believe in yourselves,” said Chiragwi.
“I believe this award is also going to motivate the players because of the work they are doing. I also give credit to them since they are the ones doing most of the work on the pitch.
“What it means is, there is a very good rapport and chemistry between the technical team and the players.”
Chiragwi dedicated the PSL November Coach of the Month award to his players, fellow technical team members, Ngezi Platinum Stars management and supporters.
“To be honest, I never expected it, and I appreciate. But I also thank God and the panel of selectors who believed I deserve this time to be the Coach of the Month, especially this being the last month of the season.”
Chiragwi who was last year voted PSL Coach of the Year, had not won any accolade this year.
“This achievement is for us all, and not only for me. There is great support behind me and I appreciate my fellow coaches in the technical team.
“Like I always say, if you always get these achievements, it gives you a lot of energy to do more because people are also seeing the good that you are doing,” said Chiragwi.
Chibuku Super Cup Final:
Saturday: Dynamos v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro)
