Online Reporter
Robson Sharuko-Metros Editor
Scottland………….(2) 2
Hardrock………………..0
KNOWLEDGE Musona is the best player in the Castle Lager Premiership – by a considerable distance.
The Smiling Assassin has hit such a rich vein of goal-scoring form it’s a throwback to his days when he was the go-to-man when the Warriors needed a goal.
There were some doubts about how good he still is when he returned home last year, after years of plying his trade in foreign leagues.
Some claimed he had just returned to enjoy the sunset of a golden career in which he transformed himself as the best Warrior since the legendary Peter Ndlovu called time on his career.
While he was good last year, and his contribution to the Scottland cause was big, it’s also true that he didn’t set the stage alight.
That no one complained when he didn’t even make the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar tells the whole story that, in the eyes of many, he was solid but not spectacular.
What many didn’t know was that he was still adjusting to the pace of the domestic Premiership in his first adventure with the top-flight league.
Fast forward to this season and, suddenly, Musona is UNSTOPPABLE.
Knowledge Musona – Picture by Vinny Solani.
The veteran forward, who turns 36 on Sunday, scored twice as Scottland powered to an impressive win over challengers Hardrock at Rufaro yesterday to open a four-point lead at the top of the table.
Hardrock, though, still have a game in hand with the outcome of their abandoned match against Dynamos set to be decided in the boardroom.
But, if there were any doubts about the champions’ quality, and desire, to defend their title this year, this was a statement win over a team which, in recent weeks, has looked capable of challenging for the crown.
Analysts have said Hardrock will need to win in the capital for them to really turn their ambitions into success, especially after the country’s biggest city destroyed MWOS’ campaign last year.
The Norton-based side failed to win a game in the capital, drawing just one against CAPS United, and it made the difference between them winning the title and finishing second.
Hardrock have been impressive, no doubt about that, but this was always going to be the challenge which was going to tell us if they are really a club which can go all the way and be champions.
But, just like they did in the loss at the hands of CAPS United on their last visit to the capital, by the same scoreline they lost to Scottland, the Kwekwe-based side could not deal with the challenges that come with playing at Rufaro.
And, the difference was Musona.
The former Warriors skipper has now scored eight goals in the past five games.
He has averaged two goals per game in the last three matches in which he grabbed a brace against Hardrock, Triangle and Herentals.
But Scottland are not just about thei BMW (Billiat, Walter, Musona) attack.
They also have a very good defence and this was their sixth game without conceding a goal.
Not even the presence of Soccer Star of the Year, Washington Navaya, could help Hardrock found a way past the Scottland defence.
Scottland appear to have found their touch at the right moment after they had appeared to be struggling to adjust to life under coach Norman Mapeza.
And, of course, they have Musona.
