Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga in KWEKWE
Hardrock……. (0) 1
Chicken Inn……… 0
WILFRED MANZUNGU came off the bench and wrote his name into Hardrock folklore, heading home the first goal ever scored at Chahwanda Stadium to seal a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League win over Chicken Inn yesterday.
The striker struck in the 52nd minute, reacting quickest after Sambulo Simelane’s teasing delivery caused chaos in the box. Goalkeeper Donovan Bernard punched clear under pressure, but Manzungu was alert, rising to guide his header into the net and spark wild celebrations in Kwekwe.
It was a defining moment for both player and club.
For Hardrock, it delivered a first home victory at their new ground.
For Manzungu, it was a goal that will be remembered long after the season moves on.
Chicken Inn had laid the platform to control the match early but failed to take their chances, and that wastefulness proved costly.
They should have been ahead inside three minutes. Innocent Masiiwa and Rahim Katinji both spurned a clear opening in front of goal, setting the tone for a frustrating afternoon.
The visitors dominated the first half, with Vassilli Kawe pulling the strings in midfield while Masiiwa repeatedly found space down the left.
They moved the ball with confidence and purpose, but the finishing never matched the build-up.
Hardrock, meanwhile, looked unsettled early on before gradually growing into the contest.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted his side struggled to find rhythm in the opening period but praised the response after the break.
“I want to appreciate the resilience we showed. Chicken Inn were very strong in the first half and we started a bit jittery,” he said.
“In the second half we came back a different side. We kept the ball better, moved it quicker and showed more intent going forward.
“The fixtures are coming thick and fast, so it’s about managing the squad. It’s a new team and they are still adapting to what we want.”
Manzungu’s introduction gave Hardrock a sharper edge in attack, while Nigel Matinha, making his first start, added energy with his movement and quick passing.
In midfield, Munashe Bamara kept things ticking, helping shift the balance as the home side began to dictate the tempo.
Once in front, Hardrock showed control and maturity, limiting Chicken Inn to half chances and managing the game with discipline.
Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya was left to rue both the missed opportunities and what he felt was a preventable goal.
“It was a tough match and we had enough chances in the first half to win it,” he said.
“We knew the game would take a physical toll later on but we should have made our dominance count.
“The goal we conceded was soft. With the experience we have at the back, we should deal with that situation better.
“We tried to push in the second half but it didn’t come off. Credit to Hardrock, they managed the game well.”
