Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga in KWEKWE
HARDROCK’S mid-season transfer business appears to be paying dividends in GOLD.
The four marquee signings – Prince Dube, Gerald Takwara, Yeki Khumalo and Thubelihle Mavuso – have hit the ground running.
They have dragged the miners into genuine Premier Soccer League title contention with six crucial points picked up on the road.
Hardrock first flexed their muscles on Wednesday last week with a clinical 2-0 win over Agama FC at Wadzanai.
Then they travelled to Mhondoro-Ngezi on Sunday and stunned former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-1 at Baobab.
Prince Dube has been the instant hit.
The striker has already netted three goals, against Triangle at home, then Agama and Ngezi away.
He sealed the win against Agama and was named the LuckyBets Man of the Match for that performance.
On Sunday in Ngezi he struck early to give Hardrock the lead before Takwara’s late intervention. In a moment of true sportsmanship, Dube handed the LuckyBets Man of the Match award to Takwara, who he felt deserved it after scoring the winner.
He also handed him the US$200 prize money.
Takwara has brought calm and authority to the backline.
His crucial interventions and passing have stabilised Hardrock’s defence and, on Sunday, he capped it with a brilliant late goal to snatch all three points at Ngezi after Dube’s opener.
In midfield, Khumalo has shown his prowess, dictating the tempo and providing a key assist against Agama.
Wide man Mavuso made an instant impact off the bench in the same game, proving a thorn in Agama’s flesh with his direct running.
The quartet’s arrival has transformed Hardrock from newcomers to genuine contenders.
With six points from two tough away assignments, the miners are now within striking distance of pacesetters Scottland.
They are four points behind the champions who have a game in hand.
The big question now is: Can Dube, Takwara, Khumalo and Mavuso sustain this form and lift the Premier League title in their maiden season?
If this start is anything to go by, the miners are not here just to make up the numbers.
Of course, they have some tough assignments ahead of them and they will be hoping that the champions also drop points in their final ten games.
There is also the small issue of Dynamos, who are within striking range, and will be hoping to take advantage in the event both Hardrock and Scottland drop points.
The Glamour Boys have a home assignment against Hardrock.
