Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
Hardrock FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)4
ZPC Kariba FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
HARDROCK responded emphatically to last week’s defeat by Scottland, hammering ZPC Kariba 4-0 at Chahwanda yesterday to remain firmly in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race.
Washington Navaya struck twice while Neliswa Dlamini and Donald Mudadi were also on target as the miners produced one of their most complete performances of the season to stay within touching distance of the pacesetters.
Navaya’s brace took him into double figures for the campaign and strengthened his position among the league’s leading scorers as the race for the Golden Boot gathers momentum.
The miners were in control for long periods, dictating the tempo through a lively midfield led by Mudadi, Dlamini and Munashe Bamara, while ZPC Kariba struggled to gain a foothold in the contest.
After dominating possession for much of the opening half, Hardrock finally broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Mudadi showed quick feet inside the penalty area before finishing calmly past goalkeeper Future Sibanda.
The hosts doubled their advantage immediately after the restart as Dlamini unleashed a powerful long-range strike that left Sibanda with no chance.
Navaya then put the game beyond the visitors with two close-range finishes, with Mudadi involved again, as Hardrock punished a ZPC Kariba side that failed to trouble the home defence. ZPC Kariba arrived in Kwekwe seeking revenge after losing the reverse fixture at Nyamhunga earlier in the season, but they were second best throughout.
Their attacks were repeatedly halted by Hardrock’s aggressive pressing, while Wayne Kumurai’s deliveries from wide areas failed to find a decisive touch in the box.
The visitors’ problems were compounded when Fanuel Shoko was forced off through injury before half-time.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu was pleased with the response from his players after last week’s setback.
“It was a very positive response from us. We had good ball possession, built well from the back, and there was a lot of movement in midfield. The finishing was also good.
“Scoring four goals and having two disallowed, what more can you ask for? We had a good game, although there are still areas we need to improve. After the fourth goal we became a bit casual and dropped our intensity. We should have pushed for more goals.
“We knew Kariba would come here and defend, and I thought we responded well, especially in the second half,” said Kaindu.
ZPC Kariba coach Expense Chitukutuku admitted his side fell short on the day.
“We were not progressive, and I saw it in the first half. Unfortunately, there is a department that is letting us down, but I will keep that to myself.
“Every coach wants to strengthen his team, and we will continue working on that,” he said.
