Online Reporter
Tawanda Munthali-Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEWLY promoted Castle Lager Premier Soccer League outfit Hard Rock have played down any title ambitions in their debut season, insisting their focus is on survival.
Club chairman Wellington Mpandare says although the level of investment poured into the team has brought immense pressure and hope that they could emulate Scottland and win the championship on debut, their priority is on avoiding relegation.
“We are going to fight for survival, obviously as a new baby we need to fight as we cannot afford to go down the relegation road.
“A lot of people expect a lot from us. We will be playing to survive anything else that comes will be a bonus,” Mpandare told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Hard Rock have been one of the busiest clubs on the transfer market, signing 18 new players so far while retaining just four from the side that won promotion from the Central Region Soccer League.
Mpandare defended the overhaul, which he believes will help them survive and compete with the best.
“The first thing that we did was to look at the squad that we had in Division One and we had to sit down with the technical team who then gave us recommendations on who to bring on board,” he added.
Hard Rock will begin life in the Premiership with a litmus test in their own backyard — Chahwanda Stadium — against champions Scottland.
Hard Rock will be eager to announce their arrival in the league whilst their opponents Scottland will be aiming to assert their authority. Mpandare said although they are expecting a tough game, they were relishing the opportunity of playing against the league champions.
“That game is difficult.
“It’s like Scottland’s president versus our president, the focus is on those two guys. The investment that they’re putting in football, people expect a lot from them.
“But at the end of the day, it’s a difficult game for us because, one, if we lose that game, it will have far reaching repercussions to our team players.
“They’ll probably think that they’re not up there with the best because we’re playing the champions. And again, if we win that game, it means every game that we play after that will be a final because every team will say, ‘Oh, if they manage to beat the champions, then this team is very good.
“So, it’s difficult. If I had another way, I would have started with an average team,’’ Mpandare said.
