Online Reporter
Onward Gangata,
HARDROCK bounced back into the title race with a gritty 2–1 win over MSU on the road, reigniting hopes of catching runaway leaders Sheasham in the Zifa Central Region Soccer League.
The fight for promotion is narrowing into a two-horse race between Sheasham and Hardrock, who both posted identical 2–1 victories over the weekend, to keep the pressure high.
But it was Hardrock, who showed the greater resolve, grinding out a crucial win away at the Campus Grounds to breathe life back into their campaign after two consecutive draws.
Towering forward, Devine Zulu opened the scoring for Hardrock, before a second-half own goal sealed the three points in a tightly contested encounter.
The win was vital for Hardrock, who had recently dropped points in a goalless draw at home to Grain Tigers and a 1–1 draw against Gwanda Pirates.
Log leaders Sheasham, meanwhile, maintained their unbeaten run with a 2–1 win over Dinson Mvuma at Mvuma Primary School on Saturday, showing no signs of slowing down.
Sheasham remains top of the table with 42 points from 16 matches. Hardrock are six points behind in second place, with a game in hand.
Gwanda Pirates held onto third with an impressive 2–0 win away to Bishopstone. They now sit on 31 points, nine behind the leaders.
Hardrock coach Calvin Maphosa, was visibly relieved after his side’s hard-fought win.
“These are crucial points,” Maphosa said. “To take three points away from home is not easy. I’ll give it up to the boys for putting up such a fight.”
Looking ahead, Maphosa was clear on what’s next.
“Now, we have to focus on our upcoming home match and make sure we win. Playing at home is a must-win in this region.”
Off the pitch, Hardrock are already making moves to bolster their squad during the mid-season transfer window. TelOne winger Blessing Sahondo, is expected to join the team. A seasoned campaigner, Sahondo has previously turned out for ZPC Munyati and Shabanie.
Chapungu striker Sausani Mudhimba is also rumoured to be on his way to the Kasongo Boys, as Hardrock looks to add firepower for the final stretch of the season.
Other Weekend Results:
Dulibadzimu 1–0 Blanket Mine
West Nicholson 0–0 FC Platinum U19
ZRP Gwanda 1–1 Gokwe North
Tongogara 3–0 Jame West
Bishopstone 0–2 Gwanda Pirates
Shabanie Mine 1–0 Matobo
Central Region Soccer League Table
Team P W D L F A GD Pts
Sheasham 16 13 3 0 37 6 31 42 Hardrock 15 11 3 1 20 6 14 36 Gwanda 15 9 4 2 18 7 11 31 Dulibadzimu 15 9 3 3 17 10 7 30 Tongogara 16 7 4 5 18 13 5 25 ZRP Gwanda 16 6 7 3 14 14 0 25 Chapungu 14 6 5 3 24 9 15 23 Matobo 15 6 3 6 12 23 -11 21 Grain Tigers 15 5 5 5 12 9 3 20 Platinum U19 16 5 5 6 15 13 2 20 Gokwe North 16 5 3 8 10 16 -6 18 Blanket Mine 16 3 7 6 9 10 -1 16 Shabanie 15 1 11 3 10 12 -2 14 West Nic 16 3 5 8 8 16 -8 14 Dinson 15 1 8 6 7 15 -8 11 Bishopstone 16 2 5 9 6 24 -18 11 Jame West 16 1 4 11 6 28 -22 10 MSU 15 0 7 8 4 16 -12 7
derick.khumalo