Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda and Innocent Kurira
ATTENTION turns to Kwekwe and Bulawayo this afternoon as the new Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season gathers momentum with two matches that carry very different energy.
In Kwekwe, newcomers Hardrock take their first steps in the top-flight when they host defending champions Scottland at Chahwanda Stadium.
In Bulawayo, Barbourfields prepares for another city derby between Highlanders and Bulawayo Chiefs, a fixture that rarely needs help to fill the terraces.
Both matches come with genuine intrigue.
Hardrock enter the league with ambition and a new home ground that many believe could become one of the most difficult venues in the country.
Their introduction to the league could hardly be tougher.
Scottland arrive in confident mood after dismantling Dynamos 5-0 last week to lift the Castle Challenge Cup, a performance that reminded the league how dangerous the champions remain.
Norman Mapeza has only recently joined the Scottland bench as head coach, yet the champions already look organised and sharp.
The addition of midfielder Abubakar Moffat has strengthened a squad that carried strong belief throughout last season.
For Hardrock coach Kelvin “KK” Kaindu, the afternoon represents more than a debut fixture.
He wants Chahwanda Stadium to quickly grow into a ground where visiting teams struggle to leave with points.
“We are playing at home and we want the fans to come and enjoy the game,” Kaindu said.
“We want people to leave the stadium happy. We want Chahwanda to be a place where football is exciting and where teams find it difficult to win.”
Hardrock have assembled a squad that suggests they intend to compete rather than simply survive.
Washington Navaya arrives after finishing last season as the league’s Golden Boot winner with TelOne, where he scored 17 goals.
Donald Mudadi brings calm presence in midfield, while Munashe Bamara continues to build a reputation as one of the more promising young players in the competition.
Experience sits behind them.
Veteran defender Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye offers leadership while goalkeeper Martin Mapisa remains one of the league’s dependable shot stoppers.
Kaindu expects his side to show attacking intent even against the champions.
“Expect to see a team that is offensive,” he said.
“We respect Scottland and we know what they can do. But football is decided on the field.”
If Hardrock manage to turn Chahwanda into a difficult venue, their first season in the Premiership could quickly take a different shape.
Today offers the first test.
In Bulawayo, the mood has been building all week.
Highlanders supporters turned the derby buildup into a street celebration as a roadshow moved through the city centre and surrounding suburbs, with music blasting and black and white flags waving behind the convoy.
For many fans, it felt like the beginning of something new.
“The roadshow just hyped everyone up,” said Entumbane resident Sipho Dube.
“When Bosso fans unite like this, it becomes very difficult for Chiefs to win at Barbourfields.”
Supporters have also drawn encouragement from the arrival of club legend Benjani Mwaruwari on the Highlanders bench.
The former Zimbabwe international begins his first full league campaign in charge after guiding Bosso to a 1-0 win over Dynamos in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup.
That result lifted belief around the club.
“Benjani has brought a new spirit to the team,” said supporter Thandeka Moyo.
“We just need to support the boys.”
Bulawayo Chiefs arrive with their own plans.
Coach John Nyikadzino has rebuilt his squad with a dozen new signings as the club settles back into life in the top-flight.
Experienced defender Elvis Moyo and striker Brian Muza are among the players expected to lead the team this season.
Derbies in Bulawayo often ignore predictions.
Once the stands begin to shake, form tends to matter far less.
Elsewhere, Dynamos face TelOne in Gweru after heavy rains earlier in the
week forced the postponement of their scheduled match at Ascot Stadium yesterday.
But the early tone of the season will largely be shaped this afternoon in Kwekwe and Bulawayo.
One city welcomes a new Premiership club and a new stadium to the league stage.
Another prepares for the familiar thunder of a derby afternoon at Barbourfields.
