Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Independence Day celebrations may be winding down, but the Premier Soccer League (PSL) rolls on this afternoon with five fixtures spread across the country, each carrying its own pressure.
In Kwekwe, second-placed Hardrock host unbeaten Ngezi Platinum Stars in a clash that could say a lot about both sides, considering just a point separates them.
Hardrock sit on 16 points, level with leaders CAPS United, but behind on goal difference, while Ngezi are fourth on 15, right behind Dynamos.
Hardrock have won five and drawn once, their only slip a 2-0 defeat to CAPS United.
Ngezi come in unbeaten with four wins and three draws.
“It will not be an easy game because we are facing an opponent who are yet to taste defeat so far in the season. However, our differences may come in depth,” said Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu.
“We have enough players who have been rested compared to them, but it should not be a reason for complacency.”
Wilfred Madzungu has been key in midfield, with Last Nyilenda leading the line.
At the back, goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga has marshalled a defence that has kept four clean sheets.
For Ngezi, Marvellous Mukumba remains central. The March Player of the Month has scored four of their eight goals so far. At Mandava, last season’s runners-up MWOS will still be trying to find their rhythm as they face FC Platinum.
MWOS have 12 points from seven matches, three wins, three draws and a defeat, but have not looked as sharp as they did in their debut top-flight season.
FC Platinum are just behind them on 10 points, with two wins, four draws and a loss.
“We have been playing well, but it was or still is a matter of moments and this is something that we are working on. Let it not be more of bad moments, but creating a lot of scoring opportunities and eventually converting them,” said FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla.
“That’s the style we are trying to come up with and I can see the positive response; it gives me hope that once we hit the groove, the machine will be unstoppable. We just have to be patient.”
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa admits they are not where they want to be yet.
“We have started the season not in a way we would have wanted given what we did last year, but all is shaping us and I believe the depth we have now can help us a lot,” he said.
“It’s not as exciting as last year’s run, but what we have now might last longer. We are working on solving the problems we had last year where we didn’t have adequate depth for competitiveness.
“Last year, in cases of injuries and suspensions, our fears manifested as we hit a barren spell that ultimately cost us what could have been a historic campaign and this time, we are trying to avoid that.”
In Harare, CAPS United host TelOne at Rufaro.
Makepekepe sit at the top of the table under Takesure Chiragwi, while TelOne are still searching for their first win. They have three draws and four defeats, conceding 11 goals and scoring six.
“It has not been a smooth ride so far, but it is not yet in a very bad space, so what we need to do is figure out where we can turn the corner,” said TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa.
“Some of these things come with a mentality. Once you manage to strike one button correctly, things just fall into place.
“We are working around the mentality, perhaps this is where our troubles could be because in terms of playing personnel, we are not bad.
“The moment we win one game, everything will change, so we should not panic yet; it is a matter of time. Rufaro may give us our first win. We are aiming for that; it is high time.”
In Shamva, AGAMA face Simba Bhora at Wadzanai.
AGAMA have one point from seven matches, a draw and six defeats, and sit just above bottom side Manica Diamonds, who travel to Triangle for a match at Gibbo.
Simba Bhora come into the match on the back of two straight defeats and have not scored in their last four games.
The team’s coach Mandla Mpofu remains confident.
“We have not lost hope because it is still too early. We just need to figure out how best to reset and bounce back and from our preparations, I can see the boys are ready,” he said.
“It happens in football and I also understand the frustration when it comes to failing to collect points, especially at Wadzanai, a place that is our fortress, but I think we are ready to get it right.
“We are not underestimating our opponents, but we have been preparing for this. Injuries also came in the way, but we are bouncing back.”
Five games today, and some teams simply have to respond.
Bongani Ndlovu