Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
A pulsating Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter is set to electrify Chahwanda Stadium tomorrow.
Hardrock Football Club coach Kelvin Kaindu has vowed not to take Agama FC lightly, dismissing any notions of an easy victory against the winless opponents.
Speaking with unbridled confidence, Kaindu revealed his team’s formidable form, riding high on a wave of success following fruitful Easter fixtures. The miners have amassed six points from recent outings, dismantling Herentals FC 4-1 at home and edging Triangle 1-0 away from home.
“These are the games we should not take lightly and should not underrate our opponents as they managed to hold Dynamos and scored against Mwos,” Kaindu emphasised, underscoring the mental preparedness required for the impending clash.
Kaindu said though Agama might appear beaten on paper given their lack of wins, having succumbed to Triangle 2-0 and Mwos 2-1 — a game where they showcased grit but were marred by a seemingly contentious offside decision denying them a crucial goal against Mwos, which shows that they are not pushovers.
“Football is played on the field, as much as they are not winning,” Kaindu philosophised, stressing tactical acumen.
With squad cohesion palpable, Hardrock welcomes back Andrew Phiri from injury, bolstering their ranks alongside Martin Mapisa undergoing light training.
“Ahead of this game, we have all our players back at training. I believe he (Phiri) is going to make it,” Kaindu said assuredly.
Adaptation to Kaindu’s coaching philosophy is underway, albeit gradually. “Slowly, there are adapting to my standards of play but it’s taking a bit of time, but there are a few concepts they have grasped so far. We saw from our last games that some of the goals are coming from what we are doing at training,” he noted, optimistic about progressive improvement.
As Agama, led by Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe with Tinashe Balakasi donning the captain’s armband, prepare to face the challenge, the league’s competitiveness is a stark reality.
“This season, the league looks competitive. We have seen big teams being consistent with their game and are yet to lose,” Kaindu observed, intent on leveraging home advantage at Chahwanda Stadium.
Jongwe, undeterred, projects an Agama triumph. “We are coming to play football, we don’t need any special strategy. We play the game to win. For them not to be beaten, there will be a game; they will be beaten, so it will be us,” he declared boldly.
“A team can have an unbeaten streak, but time will come, and I’m hopeful that we will inflict their first defeat.”
Reiterating team unity, Jongwe added, “We play as a team, defend as a team and attack as a team, so there is nothing about home advantage.”
This titanic struggle, a repeat of last season’s Champion of Champions final — where both emerged regional champions — promises fireworks matchday seven, captivating Kwekwe fans accustomed to top-flight drama as Agama seeks to halt Hardrock’s momentum and claim their first top-flight victory.
