Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
KWEKWE will today temporarily shift to Shamva with bated breath.
The latest of the several clubs to emerge from the mining town Hardrock can write the greatest chapter in the history of football in this beautiful Midlands enclave.
If they beat Simba Bhora at Wadzanai this afternoon, they will be crowned Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions regardless of what happens between second-placed Scottland and Herentals.
It is that simple and that has been the message from their Zambian gaffer Kelvin Kaindu who previously came close to landing the crown with Highlanders.
Hardrock go into the penultimate round of the season with a four-point lead at the top of the table. With two games to play, victory today will ensure defending champions Scottland won’t be able to catch them down in the final game of the term.
For Kaindu, it would be a historic achievement. No coach has ever delivered a league title to Kwekwe. No team from the town has ever ruled Zimbabwean football.
Kaindu can change that forever by 5pm today, if not, maybe next week. That’s how close Hardrock, in only their maiden season in the top-flight.
If Hardrock deliver the honours, they will become only the third team in history to land it in their first season after Black Rhinos in 1984 and Scottland last year.
“We know what is at stake and we are ready for it,” said Kaindu.
“We have worked so hard the whole season. We are four points clear and our destiny is in our own hands. We don’t want to wait for the last day. We want to finish it on Saturday.
“The boys are confident. They are focused. They know that one win will make history for this club and for the people of Kwekwe.
Kaindu said his team will not be distracted by the occasion or by the permutations in Harare.
“We are not looking at Scottland. We are not looking at Herentals. We are looking at our own game. If we win our game, we are champions. That is the only thing in our minds.
“Simba Bhora are a very good team. They have been champions themselves and they can spoil our party. We respect them, but we must be brave.”
Simba Bhora have nothing to lose and everything to spoil. A win for them would delay Hardrock’s celebrations and keep the title race alive going into the final day.
Kaindu, however, believes his players have shown throughout the season that they can handle pressure.
“Pressure is part of football. When you are on top, everyone wants to beat you. My players have handled it very well. They have won away from home, they have won when they were under pressure, they have kept clean sheets.
“Saturday is another test. We need to show character again. I believe in this team. I believe we will do it.”
In Harare, Scottland will be watching events in Shamva closely while trying to get the result in what is a must-win game against Herentals at Rufaro. Scottland, under new coach Peter Ndlovu, who replaced Norman Mapeza, are still mathematically in the race. They need Hardrock to slip up today, and they need to win their remaining games to have any chance of snatching the title on the final day.
Ndlovu, one of Zimbabwe’s greatest ever players, has brought new energy to Scottland since taking over. He has refused to give up on the title, even with a four-point gap.
“We are still in the race until it is mathematically over,” said Ndlovu.
“We know Hardrock are favourites, they have a big lead, but football is funny. We have to do our job first. We have to beat Herentals.
“We cannot control what happens in Shamva. What we can control is our performance. If we win our game, we put pressure on them. If they slip, we are there to take advantage.
“Herentals are a difficult team. They are well organised and they fight. But we are Scottland, we are playing at home and we want to win. My players are confident.”
Ndlovu said Scottland will keep fighting until the final whistle of the season.
“I told the boys, never give up. We have come too far to give up now. We will fight to the end.”
For Herentals, the game is about finishing the season strongly. They have a chance to push for a top four finish.
But the story of the day is in Shamva.
Thousands of fans are expected to pack the stadium to witness what could be a historic moment.
A win today would spark celebrations that Kwekwe has never seen before. It would confirm Kaindu as a legend in the town and Hardrock as the new champions of Zimbabwe.
Lose or draw, and the race goes to the final day, with Scottland still breathing down their necks.
Hardrock have one hand on the trophy. This afternoon, they can grab it with both hands.
