Tongai Mashonga, [email protected]
THE equation is simple. The pressure is immense. The prize is history.
Hardrock FC travel to Wadzanai Stadium on Saturday for Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 33 knowing one win against Simba Bhora will crown them champions of Zimbabwe with a game to spare.
The miners, known by their moniker “Famba Hardi!, Ko Pachinei!”, sit on top of the log with 69 points from 32 matches. Scottland, the defending champions, are four points behind on 65 points after playing their two games in hand.
What was once an eight-point cushion has been cut in half. What was once a procession is now a two-horse race. And Saturday in Shamva is where it could all end.
After Matchday 32, the title race has been reduced to two teams. No one else can catch them.
The numbers tell the story of two different champions in the making.
Hardrock have won more games, 21 to Scottland’s 18, and scored more goals, 57 to 46. Scottland have lost fewer games, just three to Hardrock’s five, and have the meanest defence in the league, conceding only 11 goals all season to Hardrock’s 21.
But goal difference, 36 to 35 in Hardrock’s favour, will count for nothing if the points are not secured. This race will be decided by wins, not statistics.
The Run-In
Hardrock FC – 69 Points – 2 Games left.
Matchday 33: Simba Bhora (A) – Wadzanai Stadium, Shamva
Matchday 34: FC Platinum (H) Final game of season
Win in Shamva and Hardrock go to 72 points. That is uncatchable. Even if Scottland win their remaining two games, against Herentals FC (H) and Triangle United (A), the best they can reach is 71 points. The title would be Hardrock’s with a game to spare.
Draw in Shamva and Hardrock go to 70 points. Scottland would still be alive. If Scottland win their Matchday 33 fixture, the gap would close to two points heading into the final day, and the title would go to the last day.
Lose in Shamva and Hardrock stay on 69 points. Scottland, with a win, would close to within one point, 68 to 69, and the final day would become a winner-takes-all shootout.
Scottland no longer control their own destiny. They must win both of their remaining games to reach 71 points, and pray that Hardrock drop points in Shamva or on the final day.
A Hardrock win on Saturday ends their defence, no matter what Scottland do. A Hardrock draw keeps Scottland alive. A Hardrock defeat blows the race wide open.
In short, Hardrock hold the title in their own hands. Scottland hold only hope.
Kaindu — We believe in our system
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu is refusing to panic, even after watching his eight-point lead cut to four.
“All we need is consistency,” said Kaindu. “We are an attacking team and believe in our system of play.”
“Football is always a pressure game regardless of which position you are. That four points could have been even reduced but the only thing is that we play our games.”
Kaindu knows exactly what stands in his way. Simba Bhora are former champions. Scottland are the defending champions. This is the hardest part of the season.
“Simba Bhora are former champions, probably they will put up the biggest test this season and Scottland are the defending champions,” he said.
The Zambian tactician will bank on Prince Dube in Shamva as the Miners will be without two players due to suspension.
Dube scored a brace on Saturday in the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final against FC Hunters, leading Hardrock’s great comeback to reach the final.
“He is a very key player to the team. We have no major injuries though we will miss two players due to suspension. We want to play football on the field and talk later. The only thing we can do is praying to God Almighty,” said Kaindu.
For Hardrock, Saturday is not just Matchday 33. It is a chance to write their name into history as first-time Premier Soccer League champions from the mining city of Kwekwe.
Win, and they can celebrate in Shamva. Slip, and Scottland will be waiting to pounce on the final day.
The miners have come this far by attacking, by believing, by being consistent. Now they need one more performance.
