Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
Hardrock FC 3-0 Manica Diamonds
WASHINGTON Navaya struck twice as Hardrock FC extended their winning run to three matches and kept the pressure on leaders Scottland with a commanding victory over Manica Diamonds at Chahwanda Stadium yesterday.
The promoted side have now scored seven goals during that run, strengthening their place among the championship contenders despite coach Kelvin Kaindu continuing to play down talk of a title challenge.
Navaya’s first-half double also took his tally to a league-leading 14 goals, only three short of the 17 he scored last season.
New signing Thubelihle Mavuso completed the victory midway through the second half, capping an impressive first start with a goal and an assist.
Hardrock controlled the match from the opening whistle, with Sizwe Yeki Khumalo, Prince Dube and Mavuso combining well as the hosts searched for a way through a Manica defence marshalled by Polyester Shoko and former Hardrock defender Phillip Kaseke.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Navaya, wearing the number 36 jersey, converted Mavuso’s pass with a precise finish.
Four minutes later, the striker doubled Hardrock’s advantage at the end of a flowing seven-pass move, calmly applying the final touch to give the hosts a firm grip on the match before the break.
Manica’s best opening came after the restart when Darrel Zulu drove into the Hardrock penalty area but lost his composure with only goalkeeper Martin Mapisa to beat and stumbled over the ball.
Mavuso then put the result beyond doubt when he rose to head home Neliswa Dlamini’s cross, the two Eswatini internationals combining for Hardrock’s third goal.
The winger’s contribution underlined the influence of Hardrock’s mid-season recruits, who have added further depth to Kaindu’s squad.
Manica battled to find a way back into the contest but failed to register a shot on target as Hardrock remained in control.
Kaindu was pleased with his side’s third successive victory and the growing competition within his squad.
“I think it was a good game for us,” he said.
“Three wins in a row give us a bit of confidence, with Navaya also scoring two goals.
“It was not an easy game. Manica came determined and showed how much they wanted the victory. They were strong and made some good runs, but I give credit to the team.
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n“If we can score seven goals in three games, I think it shows how offensive we are.
“We also saw how well Takwara played in central defence. The young boy Mavuso started today and managed to score our third goal, which is good for the team.
“The players who came in during the mid-season window have added a different dimension. We now have many options.”
Kaindu admitted Scottland’s dropped points had given Hardrock an opportunity, but maintained that his side were not thinking about the championship race.
“We are not focused on how Scottland are playing. We want to concentrate on our own games,” he said.
“Of course, if they drop points, it gives us a bit of an advantage, but we don’t want to compare ourselves with Scottland.
“We are a team coming from Division One and our main objective is to stay in the Premier League.
“We are now quite certain that we will survive if we consolidate our current position.”
Manica coach Herbert Maruwa felt his side had been punished for mistakes at crucial moments.
“It wasn’t a good game for us,” he said.
“We did many things well in terms of our game plan, but in football, if you don’t convert your chances and you make mistakes, you get punished.
“We are still in the relegation fight, but there are 24 points to play for and it is still open. As you can see, the teams around us are also not moving.”
TEAMS
Hardrock FC: Martin Mapisa, McDonald Rameck, Tinotenda Muringai, Munashe Bamara Wilfred Madzungu, 81st minute, Gerald Takwara, Sizwe Yeki Khumalo Donald Mudadi, 64th minute, Washington Navaya Sambulo Simelane, 74th minute, Misheck Ngwenya, Prince Dube Masimba Mambare, 81st minute, Thubelihle Mavuso Tinashe Mashaireni, 81st minute, Neliswa Dlamini.
Substitutes not used: Tonderai Mateyaunga, Lennox Mucheto, Xolani Ndlovu, Marshall Gavaza.
Manica Diamonds FC: Polyester Shoko Pascal Percy Shumbaimwe, 81st minute, Biggie Temera, Carlos Mavhurume, Tanaka Chikumba, Phillip Kaseke Nigel Mpinduki, 70th minute, Darrel Zulu, Lawrence Masibera, Fitzgerald Banda Liberty Masvaure, 49th minute, Kelvin Bingala Russell Kagiki, 70th minute, Ask Rupane, Liberty Moses Manzunzu.
Substitutes not used: Joseph Kaunda, Arthur Ndhlovu, Ian Sibelo, Carlson Chirwa, Anelka Chivandire.
