Hardrock face Gwanda test

Onward Gangata, Zimpapers Sports Hub

AFTER dropping points at home last weekend, ambitious Central Region Soccer League side Hardrock will have their title credentials tested when they travel to face Gwanda Pirates.

The Kasongo Boys were left frustrated by fellow newcomers Grain Tigers in a goalless draw at Baghdad Stadium last Sunday. The result saw the Kwekwe-based outfit surrender top spot to Sheasham, who cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over ZRP Gwanda.

Sheasham now lead the standings with 32 points, holding a slender one-point advantage over Hardrock, while Gwanda Pirates sit third on 26 points.

Interestingly, Gwanda Pirates are enjoying a purple patch in their debut season, adding extra intrigue to Sunday’s clash at Pelandaba Stadium.

Despite the high stakes, Hardrock coach Calvin Maphosa is downplaying the significance of the encounter. He insists it’s still too early in the season to view the match as decisive in the title race.

“We are preparing for this match just like any other game. As a club, we’re focusing on ourselves and not paying too much attention to how others are performing. We drew our last game, which is part of football — sometimes you win, draw, or even lose. The league is a marathon. It’s still early days, and there are many matches to come. I don’t think we can really look at this match as a stand-alone,” Maphosa told the Zimpapers Sports Hub.

Elsewhere, another fierce rivalry will be reignited in Kwekwe when table-toppers Sheasham take on army side Tongogara at Mbizo Stadium on Saturday.

The match was initially scheduled to be played at the Battlefields grounds but has since been moved to the more rustic Mbizo facility.

Other Fixtures
Tomorrow: Dinson Mvuma v Shabanie, MSU v Gokwe North, Dulibadzimu v Jame West, West Nicholson v Matobo, ZRP Gwanda v FC Platinum U19, Chapungu v Blanket Mine
Sunday: Bishopstone v Grain Tigers