Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THERE are defeats that sting, and then there are those that leave a team staring at the scoreboard wondering how the points slipped away.
For Highlanders, Week 29 brought one of those afternoons.
A 74th-minute strike from Washington Navaya was enough to hand Hardrock a precious 1–0 victory over Bosso, in a tightly contested encounter that was ultimately decided by one moment of quality.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari was gracious in defeat, admitting his side had come up against a Hardrock team with plenty to offer.
“Hardrock have a quality side,” Mwaruwari acknowledged. “They made the game difficult for us, and when you play against a team like that, you have to take your chances and remain switched on until the final whistle.”
For much of the match, neither side appeared willing to give the other an inch. Highlanders battled to find a way through, while Hardrock remained disciplined and patient, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
That opportunity finally arrived in the 74th minute.
Navaya’s goal transformed what had been a cagey contest into a frantic final spell, with Highlanders pushing forward in search of an equaliser and Hardrock throwing everything into protecting their advantage.
The visitors held firm.
For Kelvin Kaindu, the victory was more than just three points. It was another statement that Hardrock are not prepared to abandon their ambitions with the season approaching its climax.
Kaindu remains convinced the championship is still within reach.
“It is still possible for us to win the league,” he said. “We have to believe, remain focused and continue fighting until the end. I guess we need another victory and keep on moving forward,” said the God-fearing gaffer.
That belief could prove important in the closing stages of the campaign, especially after a Week 29 programme that produced plenty of movement, drama and decisive moments across the league.
Scottland enjoyed one of the biggest wins of the round, beating Agama 3–0, with Mthokozisi Msebe scoring twice before Anderson Cardos De Campos completed the victory.
Caps United edged MWOS 1–0 through an 18th-minute Ishmael Wadi goal, while FC Platinum claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over ZPC Kariba courtesy of Oscar Bhebhe’s 71st-minute strike.
FC Hunters also secured a 1–0 win over Manica Diamonds, Benjamin Goliath scoring the only goal of the match.
There was no shortage of entertainment at TelOne, where the hosts drew 2–2 with Ngezi Platinum Stars. Nkosiyabo Masilela and Johannes Mabwe were on target for TelOne, while Eddisone Macdonald and Farai Madhananga found the net for Ngezi. Chicken Inn produced a 2–1 victory over Simba Bhora, with T. Shisungu Kankonde scoring twice, while Triangle came away from Bulawayo with a 2–1 win over Bulawayo Chiefs after goals from Emmanuel Paga and Aaron Zekeh.
Dynamos rounded off the round with a 1–0 victory over Herentals, despite receiving a late red card.
For Highlanders, the focus now turns to the response. For Hardrock, it is about maintaining the momentum and keeping alive the belief that Kaindu’s men can still have a major say in the championship race.
With the season entering its decisive stages, every point is beginning to carry extra weight — and Hardrock have just collected three of them in one of the weekend’s most eye-catching results.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 29 results
Highlanders 0–1 Hardrock, Scotland 3–0 Agama, MWOS 0–1 Caps United, FC Platinum 1–0 ZPC Kariba, FC Hunters 1–0 Manica Diamonds, TelOne 2–2 Ngezi Platinum Stars, Simba Bhora 1–2 Chicken Inn, Bulawayo Chiefs 1–2 Triangle, Dynamos 1–0 Herentals —@FungaiMuderere
