Ngezi Platinum Stars earn early bragging rights in derby against Fc Platinum
Ngezi Platinum Stars Fc—(1)2
FC Platinum —-(1)1
Innocent Muchochomi in Turf, Mhondoro Ngezi
Marvellous Mukumba’s brace earned Ngezi Platinum Stars early bragging rights as they defeated rivals FC Platinum in the first derby of the 2026 Premier Soccer League season at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro Ngezi’s Turf Mining Compound on Saturday
In a match attended by a small crowd due to unfavourable weather conditions and increased gate charges, FC Platinum took the lead early when Jarrison Selemani finished a fine pass from Garikayi Dematsika with a precise low shot in the 7th minute.
Stung, Ngezi responded with aggressive attacking football and equalised in the 42nd minute when Marvellous Mukumba scored from a rebound after an attempt by Qadr Amin was denied by the upright post.
Mukumba then secured the win in the 48th minute by slotting a pass from Qadr Amin into the top corner.
This victory was a boost for Ngezi coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva who took the reins after the departure of Takesure Chiragwi to Caps United Fc.
“As my first match in charge of this rivalry, which has been dominated by FC Platinum, I’m very pleased with a positive result and hope our good form continues.
“I’m also proud of how the players performed. Given the circumstances — with so many players and staff leaving — starting well is encouraging,”
“We had planned that we must attack as much as we can and also keep control of the ball as much as we can and that’s what the boys did.”
“I’m happy the boys had the confidence. They had the bravery and they played according to our game plan.”
Ngezi suffered a massive exodus of team players and technical staff at the end of the 2025 season, but Muti saw it as an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their worth, proving they are just as capable, if not better, than those who left.
Head coach Takesure Chiragwi, Team Manager Tinashe Nengomadhe, Goalkeepers’ coach, Kit Manager, Media personnel and players Talent Chamboko, McDonald Makuwe, Kudzai Chigwida, Nyasha Gurende, Richard Hachiro, DerlicMurima, Obriel Chirinda and Takunda Benhura left at the end of last season.
Ngezi was also hit with a ban. The Federation of International Football Association (Fifa) stopped Ngezi from signing new players till they settle monetary issues with coaches Benjamin Mwaruwari and Bongani Mafu
Under this difficult situation, Mutiwekuziva admitted that the game was not going to be a stroll in the park though he felt his boys were going to deliver.
“It was not an easy match looking into the aspect that Fc Platinum is a big brand,” said Muti
