Hardrock calm after first home defeat

Tongai Mashonga [email protected]

HARDROCK FC absorbed their first home defeat of the season with unusual composure as Highlanders edged a tense 1-0 encounter at Chahwanda Stadium in a match decided by fine margins.

The result ended the miners’ unbeaten home run, but the reaction in the stands painted a different picture from the frustration that followed the club’s first away loss to CAPS United in March. This time, supporters remained firmly behind the team, applauding the effort and urging the players to bounce back quickly.

Hardrock dominated large spells of the first half and created several promising opportunities but due to poor finishing, the teams went into the break level.

The hosts made tactical adjustments after halftime and initially gained control, with the midfield winning more battles and carving out openings.

Highlanders, however, capitalised on one of their few clear opportunities late in the match, leaving Kelvin Kaindu’s men with too much to do in the closing stages.

After the match Kaindu insisted there was no need to panic as the defeat was simply part of football.

“No, we did not get it wrong, this is football. In football you win, lose and draw,” said Kaindu.

“We have done well in the last few games and Highlanders also wanted a win. Like I said, we had big chances in the first half and we did not score, and they capitalised on a half chance.”

Kaindu felt his side had controlled the second half after making changes, but failed to turn their dominance into goals.

“It’s not just a defeat, it’s our first defeat at home, so it is a bit painful. We could have finished our business in the first half. In the second half we made changes and controlled the game. We were showing signs of scoring, but our opponents capitalised on a simple attack and scored,” he said.

The coach also accused Highlanders of slowing down the game in the latter stages to protect their lead.

“Bosso players took time on the ground receiving treatment. A draw could have been comfortable for them. You could see how many times they were going down. They knew getting a goal against us was going to be difficult,” said Kaindu.

The measured response from the terraces was echoed by those closest to the club.

Hardrock supporters executive member Patience “Mai Bhonzo” Chitanda quickly moved to steady nerves after the final whistle, reminding fans that the club is still adjusting to life in the top flight.

“Every team plays to win. There are three possible results in football: a win, a loss or a draw,” said Chitanda.

“The message I have for my fellow fans is that this is our first defeat at home. It is hard to accept, but let’s not forget that we are new in the Premier League and we are sitting in a good position on the log. It was also the first time we saw away supporters fully occupying the away bay.”

Supporter Asani Milanzi admitted the result was difficult to take and pointed to tactical changes as a turning point.

“It’s a difficult result to take, a bitter pill to swallow. The team played well, but some of the players looked tired,” said Milanzi.

“I think we lost the game when Junior Makunike was taken off. He had been man-marking Mongameli Tshuma, who is the engine room for Highlanders. Once Makunike left, Tshuma was given a free role and started dictating play while we were relying more on transitions.”

Milanzi, dressed in Hardrock’s green and gold colours, said the team now had to focus on avoiding another defeat against a Bulawayo side.

“I believe the boys will recover with a bang on Saturday as we seek revenge against another Bulawayo side. We cannot afford another loss to a Bulawayo team,” he said.

Another supporter, Brian Kwani, said the defeat should be viewed in context considering the team’s progress since losing to CAPS United earlier in the season.

“We cannot win every game. Yes, we lost and it hurts, but that is football,” said Kwani.

“For me, the team has improved a lot since that CAPS United defeat on Matchday Four. We went several games unbeaten. Losing to two big teams in the league is understandable because we are still a new side. Some fans may want to blame the coach, but as a technical expert he knew what he was doing and the team played well pressing the opponents.”

Regular VIP attendee Zvikomborero Muza said the disappointment should serve as motivation for the team going forward.

“It’s painful to lose at home for the first time, but I hope the team will use it as motivation and focus on bouncing back stronger,” said Muza.

The maturity shown by Hardrock supporters suggests the club is building more than just a competitive team. With another Bulawayo side up next, Kaindu and his players now have an immediate opportunity to respond and prove their promising project remains firmly on course.