Tongai Mashonga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARDROCK know every game must now be a straight win if they are to stand any chance of winning the Castle Lager Premiership title.
They face Bulawayo Chiefs at Chahwanda tomorrow.
After 29 games, and with five more to go, Kelvin Kaindu’s Hardrock are on 60 points, one behind leaders Scottland, who have played the same number of matches.
Scottland, on the other hand, have a tricky away assignment against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga tomorrow.
Norman Mapeza’s side are also aware that destiny is in their hands and they cannot afford to let their rivals from the Midlands overtake them.
And if they can win their match and Hardrock slip, so much better for them given their busy schedule with the CAF Champions League and Munhumutapa Cup.
It is a strong possibility given Hardrock’s fixture comes on the back of a painful home defeat for the miners, who were knocked out by Herentals in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup quarter-final at their fortress.
The Kwekwe-based side will, however, draw confidence from their dominance over the Ninjas this season, having dispatched Chiefs twice — first in the first leg in Bulawayo and then winning 1-0 in the Chibuku Super Cup round of 16 at Chahwanda.
Despite that record, memories of how Chiefs took the game to Hardrock in their last cup tie mean the star-studded home side knows they face an uphill task.
Hardrock coach Kaindu said a win tomorrow is crucial to restore the confidence built during their impressive 10-game winning run.
“We won 10 games in a row with a similar line-up, and a win will bring back the confidence,” Kaindu said.
The Zambian acknowledged that his side are under pressure to bounce back, especially with the season entering its final stretch.
“Every game is different. Football is a pressure game; every day has its own pressure. It’s another different ball game on Saturday coming from a loss. We are an attacking team, and every game is very important, especially towards the final stretch of the season,” he said.
Kaindu is wary of the threat posed by Bulawayo Chiefs, particularly in the middle of the park.
“Chiefs are strong in midfield,” he warned.
On team news, Kaindu said he has a near fully-fit squad, with only one major absentee.
“We have no major injuries apart from Sambulo Simelane,” he said.
Reflecting on Sunday’s cup exit to the Students, Kaindu admitted it was a bitter pill to swallow after their fine run.
“It was a painful loss indeed against Herentals, especially after 10 wins in a row. We have lost before, but this was painful. Penalties can go either way; we did well, we scored all five and only missed on sudden death,” Kaindu said.
The former Highlanders, Triangle and Dynamos boss also paid tribute to the Chahwanda faithful for standing by the team.
“We appreciate the support they give the team. A win will bring back the confidence,” he said.
