Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
NGEZI Platinum Stars can climb above Hardrock when the two title contenders meet at Baobab Stadium today.
Only two points separate the sides, with Hardrock second on 42 points and Ngezi fourth on 40.
Victory would lift the Mhondoro side into second place and strengthen their position in the battle at the top of the table.
Hardrock’s impressive debut campaign faces another serious test at one of the league’s most difficult away venues.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu is well aware of the challenge awaiting his side.
“Playing at Ngezi, their home has become a fortress for them,” Kaindu said.
“On their day, they are able to pick up points and they are among the contenders for the championship.
“We believe it’s not going to be an easy game and we just hope we give the fans the best they want to see.”
Ngezi return home after collecting a point away to Triangle during the week, and coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva believes his players have recovered sufficiently for another demanding assignment.
“We are confident coming into the game against Hardrock after picking up a point away from home,” Mutiwekuziva said.
“Now that we are at home, the confidence comes in and we have recovered enough since the game on Thursday.”
Mutiwekuziva acknowledged Hardrock’s strong campaign, but said Ngezi would concentrate on their own task.
“We understand it’s not going to be an easy match because Hardrock are doing well,” he said.
“But we don’t have to focus too much on them. We just have to focus on ourselves as a team and the objective that we want to achieve.
“Everyone is available for selection and we are good to go.”
Hardrock have largely retained the squad used in their previous away match, making only two changes.
Donald Mudadi returns from injury, while Marshal Gavaza is available again after serving a suspension.
Kaindu said continuity was important after two successive away assignments, although he also needed to manage the workload within his squad.
“We’ve tried to maintain the team that travelled for the previous game,” he said.
“We only have two changes, with Donny (Mudadi) returning from injury and Marshal (Gavaza) coming back after suspension.
“We also need to manage the load, especially after playing two away games.”
The visitors will again look to Prince Dube for goals after the striker scored in each of his last two appearances.
“We just hope he keeps up his momentum and shows the quality that he has in terms of his finishing,” Kaindu said.
Ngezi have built their challenge around a strong record at Baobab, but today offers more than another chance to protect their home advantage. Victory would move them above a direct rival and into second place. Hardrock must show that their impressive first season can withstand one of its toughest away tests.
