By Cloud Fusire
SENIOR SPORTS WRITER
PREMIERSHIP log leaders Scottland face another test of their credentials today when they host former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro Stadium.
The ambitious Mabvuku-based side have made an impressive start to their maiden top-flight league campaign, winning their first two games against Triangle United (1-0) on February 28 and CAPS United (2-0) on March 6.
On the other hand, Ngezi Platinum Stars are also unbeaten after a one-all draw away to league newcomers Kwekwe United on March 1 and a one-nil home win against Green Fuel last Saturday.
Madamburo will provide another difficult test for Mabviravira, who boast a star-studded squad that also includes goalkeeper Nelson Chadya and defender Gareth Madhake, who were raided from the 2023 league champions.
The other big names in the Scottland side include forwards Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Tymon Machope, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Peter Muduhwa and Godknows Murwira.
However, in Ngezi Platinum Stars, Scottland also face a team that has got its own stars who include strikers Obriel Chirinda, Takunda Benhura, Richard Hachiro, Farai Madhanhanga and Talent Chamboko.
And after watching his side put on an impressive display as they defeated CAPS United last week, Ndiraya is hoping for more of the same from his charges.
“We had a bit of a slow start in our first game, but against CAPS United, the boys gave a good account of themselves and as a coach I couldn’t ask more than that from them.
“The boys showed good character and performed beyond my expectations considering that it’s just the start of the season. “So we just hope that we continue on the same trajectory going forward as we hope to fight for points in our coming games,” said Ndiraya.
His opposite number, Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi, is also hoping for his team to keep the winning run going.
“I’m happy that my team are gradually understanding what we want them to do and winning our last game gives our players confidence going into the next fixture (against Scottland).
“We just hope that our strikers will also continue to improve and start scoring two or three goals per game because if we keep on winning by one goal, we will always give our opponents an opportunity to come back into the game,” said Chiragwi.
Meanwhile, Harare giants Dynamos will be seeking their first set of maximum points this season when they host tricky TelOne at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.
DeMbare have managed two goalless draws against ZPC Kariba and Herentals College, while visiting TelOne will be high on confidence after thrashing Triangle United 4-1 at Ascot Stadium last weekend.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders, who also registered a convincing 4-0 win against league newcomers Kwekwe United at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday, will travel to face wounded GreenFuel in Chisumbanje tomorrow.
Defending champions Simba Bhora will host tricky Herentals College at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva, while Chicken Inn will be at home to four-time league winners FC Platinum at Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo.
Harare giants CAPS United will travel to Chisumbanje to face Triangle United at Green Fuel Arena on Sunday.
PSL Match Day 3 fixtures:
Friday: Scottland v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro)
Saturday: Green Fuel v Highlanders (Green Fuel Arena), Simba Bhora v Herentals (Wadzanai Stadium), Dynamos v TelOne (Rufaro Stadium), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve Stadium), MWOS FC v Yadah (Baobab Stadium), Kwekwe United v Bikita Minerals (Bata Stadium)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds v ZPC Kariba (Sakubva Stadium), Triangle United v CAPS United (Green Fuel Arena)
