By Delicious Mathuthu
GWERU – Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) debutants, Kwekwe United secured a well-deserved 1-1 draw against 2024 season third place, Ngezi Platinum Stars at Bata Stadium in Gweru on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Despite being technically the home team, Kwekwe United played “home away from home” as they adjusted to the unfamiliar venue.
A spirited second-half performance, highlighted by a crucial equalizer from veteran footballer, Masimba Mambare, earned Kwekwe United a valuable point against a seasoned Ngezi Platinum side.
The game began on a tense note for the debutants, with Ngezi Platinum Stars pressing hard from the first whistle. In the 4th minute, Kwekwe United’s goalkeeper, Elton Nechiware, made a crucial save to deny Ngezi an early lead.
However, the pressure soon paid off for the visitors when Ngezi’s new signing, Karengesha Ashwin, netted his first PSL goal in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
Ngezi continued to threaten, with Takunda Benhura coming close to doubling their lead in the 19th minute.
A clumsy challenge by Nechiware just outside the penalty area gave Ngezi a free-kick, which they squandered, much to the relief of Kwekwe United’s handful fans that had come to witness the game.
Ngezi’s persistent attacks kept Kwekwe United on the back foot, with several dangerous crosses failing to find a target.
Kwekwe United’s first half was marred by a lackluster performance, hesitation and nerves, evident in their struggle to retain possession and mount meaningful attacks.
Ngezi’s Leslie Kashitigu and goalkeeper, Darlington Murasiranwa, both picked up yellow cards, the former for a tactical foul and the latter for time-wasting, signaling the visitors’ intent to preserve their slight lead.
The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Ngezi.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Kwekwe United side, bolstered by tactical adjustments from head coach Saul Chaminuka.
The introduction of veteran midfielder Masimba Mambare proved a masterstroke for the hosts, with his experience and vision stabilizing Kwekwe’s midfield, allowing them to press higher and challenge Ngezi’s defense.
Mambare’s impact was immediate, scoring the equalizer in the 62nd minute, heading in a well-placed cross to level the match.
His movement off the ball and ability to exploit spaces between Ngezi’s center-backs showcased his football intelligence, which were acknowledged by Ngezi Platinum gaffer, Takesure Chiragwi after the game.
Kwekwe United’s left winger, Hillary Bakacheza, was instrumental in stretching Ngezi’s defense, causing problems with his pace and dribbling skills on the left wing.
Despite being under pressure, Ngezi Platinum Stars had opportunities to reclaim the lead which were squandered. Lapses in concentration and wasted chances kept the game finely balanced.
Obriel Chirinda picked up Ngezi’s third yellow card in the 83rd minute, reflecting their growing frustration.
Kwekwe United nearly snatched a dramatic winner in the 85th minute when Bakacheza beat the Ngezi goalkeeper on the left wing, only to see his shot find the side netting.
The final whistle blew with the score at 1-1, a result that seemed fair given the balance of play.
Kwekwe United’s head coach, Saul Chaminuka, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting the importance of not losing their first PSL match.
“I think it was a good result. But again, it’s a game that we could have taken,” Chaminuka said.
“In the first half, the boys were a little jittery playing at this stage for the first time. But in the second half, we started playing, running, and creating some anxious moments for the opponent, hence the equalizer.”
Chaminuka also praised Mambare’s influence and hinted at a promising season ahead.
“After the equalizer, we could have scored even two or three more. It’s important not to lose the first game of the season, especially if you are playing in the Premier Soccer League for the first time,” he said.
Looking ahead to their next game against Bulawayo giants, Highlanders FC, Chaminuka was optimistic after picking a point from the Mhondoro boys.
“I hope we start like that in our next game,” he said.
Ngezi Platinum Stars’ head coach, Takesure Chiragwi, admitted disappointment at not securing all three points but acknowledged Kwekwe United’s resilience.
“Firstly, I want to thank God for giving us the opportunity, especially for the first game, playing away,” Chiragwi stated, adding, “We were in control in the first half and missed so many chances. But it’s part of the game. We understand.”
Chiragwi also credited Mambare’s influence, acknowledging his intelligence and tactical awareness.
“Masimba Mambare is a clever guy. He might be aging, but in terms of football intelligence, he is very clever. He utilized the spaces in between the lines,” said Chiragwi.
Reflecting on his team’s missed chances, Chiragwi said the team had three crucial chances that they were supposed to score.
“Obriel (Chirinda) missed one, and even the young Tinotenda (Ditima) and (Tinashe) Mabvudzi also did the same.
“But all in all, we are very happy with the performance,” he said.
Chiragwi said they were hopeful, stressing the need to build on the draw.
“We came up with a positive result, which is a draw. We’ve got somewhere to start and somewhere to correct,” Chiragwi noted.
The draw leaves both teams with a point each to start their 2025 season campaign.
Ngezi Platinum Stars will look to sharpen their finishing as they face Greenfuel FC at their home ground, Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro, aiming to convert chances into victory.
