Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARDROCK coach Kelvin Kaindu insists his promoted side are under no pressure in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race after Prince Dube’s added-time winner kept them three points behind Scottland with seven matches remaining.
Hardrock came from behind to beat FC Hunters 2-1 at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday. Dabgwa put Hunters ahead before Washington Navaya equalised with his 15th league goal and Dube struck late. Scottland also recovered from a goal down to beat Simba Bhora 2-1 at Wadzanai Stadium, with Knowledge Musona scoring twice to keep the champions at the summit.
“The pressure is on Scottland,” Kaindu said.
“They are the defending champions and everybody expects them to defend their title. For us, we are just expecting to survive. “This is our first season in the Premier League. We are enjoying the experience, competing and trying to do our best in every match.”
Survival was Hardrock’s initial target after they won promotion from the Central Region. Instead, they remain firmly in the championship race after 27 rounds. Navaya has been central to their challenge, with his 15 goals putting him at the top of the Golden Boot race.
While Scottland are chasing a second successive championship, Hardrock are attempting to win the title in their first season in the top flight.
“We are not putting pressure on ourselves,” Kaindu said. “We just want to take each game as it comes and continue doing what we have been doing.”
Kaindu is not ruling out a title challenge.
“For us, we are just trying to establish ourselves in the Premier League, but if the opportunity comes, we will take it.”
