NEWLY crowned Premier Soccer League champions Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi believes his side is capable of excelling in their maiden hunt in the Caf champions league next season.
Ngezi Platinum Stars wrapped up the league championship on Saturday with two games to spare after a comeback from behind to beat Simba Bhora 2-1 at Baobab.
Kudzai Chigwida and Takunda Benhura scored two second half goals and ensured the league title came to Mhondoro-Ngezi after Tinashe Balakasi had given Simba Bhora, the hosts on the day, a first half lead.
It will be the second time Ngezi Platinum will be taking part in a continental competition since they were promoted into the top flight league in 2016. They represented the country in the Caf Confederations Cup in 2017 after scooping the Chibuku Super Cup in their maiden dance in the local league.
Then under the tutelage of Tonderai Ndiraya they crashed out in the first round after a 2-1 aggregate loss to Angolan side Libolo Recreativo.
"It's no longer about Ngezi only, it's about Zimbabwe now, so we have to represent the country very well and make sure we participate at our best level to make sure we can achieve something," Chiragwi said after winning his first league title as coach on Saturday.
"If they (the players) move from fourth place to the championship then they can continue to go and make their name in the Champions league. What is important is how you work, how you prepare, how you make sure you face the next challenge
"On a personal level this is how we grow as coaches. I am going to the champions league because I deserve to go there. It's not a fluke that we have won the championship, but we know we want to compete in the champions' league, so we are going together as a team and we want to make sure we make (a mark) there," he said.
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Ngezi Platinum Stars' season could get even better as they eye a league and cup double after making it into the Chibuku Super Cup final.
In the final which will be played at Baobab stadium on December 3, they will face Harare giants Dynamos who have already claimed the Caf Confederations Cup slot when they reached the decider of the premier knockout competition.
Chiragwi said they are gunning for the double.
"We are also in the Chibuku Super Cup final, which is also good and healthy for the team. We would also want to pray to make sure we get that also. It's good for the players to get that double in the cabinet and then we can start concentrating in the next season," he said.
