AMBITIOUS Ngezi Platinum Stars were this afternoon crowned the new champions of the Castle Lager Premiership after a come-from-behind 2-1 win over newboys Simba Bhora in a league match played at Baobab Stadium.
Defender Kudzai Chigwida netted the equaliser from the penalty spot in the 69th minute to cancel the visitors’ first half lead before Takunda Benhura struck right at the death of the game to secure maximum points.
The victory took the Mhondoro side’s points tally to an unassailable 63, nine ahead of second-placed Manica Diamonds who drew 0-0 with Cranborne Bullets in the day’s other match.
Ngezi Platinum Stars are the 2023 Castle Lager Premiership champions
Ngezi Platinum Stars are the 2023 Castle Lager Premiership champions
There are two rounds of fixtures to go before the campaign concludes.
Ngezi Platinum Stars are home to Mutare-bred stars – goalkeeper Chang Mariyoni and left winger Walter Vuwa.
This is the platinum miners’ first championship since earning promotion into the Premiership from the ZIFA Northern Region Division One in 2015.
Coach Takesure Chiragwi and his men will also eying the Chibuku Super Cup when they face Dynamos in the final that will be played at their home on December 3 to complete a domestic double.
