Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
THE honeymoon could be over for Central Region Soccer League hotshots Hardrock, as their title credentials come under serious fire this weekend.
Fresh from a frustrating goalless home draw against fellow newboys Grain Tigers at Baghdad Stadium, the Kasongo Boys now face a stern test away to high-flying Gwanda Pirates at Pelandaba Stadium on Sunday.
That slip-up saw Hardrock surrender top spot to title rivals Sheasham, who demolished ZRP Gwanda 5-0 to storm to the summit on 32 points, one ahead of the Kwekwe-based outfit.
Gwanda Pirates, enjoying a sparkling debut season, are not far behind on 26 points and smelling blood.
Hardrock coach Calvin Maphosa, however, is keeping a cool head ahead of the top-of-the-table showdown.
“We are just preparing for this match like any other game,” said Maphosa. “As a club, we are focusing on ourselves and not worrying too much about how others are performing.”
The soft-spoken gaffer insisted that the league is far from decided. “The league is a marathon. It’s still early days and I don’t think we can look at this match as a title decider. Sometimes you win, draw or even lose. That’s football.”
Still, whispers in the stands suggest anything short of victory in Gwanda could spell trouble for Hardrock’s championship push, especially with Sheasham breathing fire.
Speaking of Sheasham, they’ll lock horns with military outfit Tongogara at Mbizo Stadium on Saturday, in a match that promises fireworks. The clash was initially set for Battlefields, but was moved after a directive from the league’s office.
“The league match between Tongogara FC and Sheasham FC has been moved to Mbizo Stadium on the same date and time,” read a letter from CRSL administrator, Gift Nyapomwe.
With Sheasham surging, Gwanda Pirates rising and Hardrock stumbling, the Central Region title race is heating up faster than a Kwekwe furnace.
Weekend Fixtures:
Saturday
Sheasham v Tongogara (Mbizo), Dinson Mvuma v Shabanie, MSU v Gokwe North, Dulibadzimu v Jame West, West Nicholson v Matobo, ZRP Gwanda v FC Platinum U19, Chapungu v Blanket Mine
Sunday
Bishopstone v Grain Tigers, Gwanda Pirates v Hardrock (Pelandaba)
