Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
LEADERS Hardrock have emerged as genuine title contenders.
The Kwekwe-based side are top-of-the-table ahead of their trip to Zvishavane for a Midlands showdown against FC Platinum.
Unlike many of the newly-promoted teams, whose primary objective is survival, Hardrock have shown ambition and maturity under Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu.
“Our first objective is to stay in the Premier League,” said Kaindu after the 3-0 win over Simba Bhora.
“Scoring three goals and keeping a clean sheet shows how much confidence we are building in the team.
“I am particularly happy with the way we defended.
“There were no moments that we showed our opponents that we would give them a goal.
“The ability to play from the back shows that we are now stable in the way we play in the Premier League.”
After their impressive first-half showing, anything short of a top-four finish would now be viewed as a disappointment.
Hardrock have lost just two of their opening fifteen games.
Those two losses have come against giants CAPS United and Highlanders who needed a wonder goal from Reason Sibanda to win at Chahwanda.
The Kasongo Boys have also benefitted from the good form of forward Washington Navaya.
The Soccer Star of the Year scored twice in the 3-0 win over Simba Bhora.
If they win at Mandava today, then Hardrock would have cleared one of their toughest hurdles in their bid to become champions.
FC Platinum might not be setting the league alight but they remain quite a competitive side and, in their backyard, they are not an easy team to beat.
With their next trip being another away game, against Scottland at Rufaro on Sunday, Hardrock know that this is a crucial phase of their campaign.
If they win both matches, then they would have put themselves into a position where they can consider themselves as potential winners of the league championship.
Bongani Ndlovu