Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MURAPE Murape, Justice Majabvi and Hardlife Zvirekwi have one thing in common. They all captained their teams to the championship podium.
Majabvi was Dynamos skipper when the Glamour Boys won the top flight league title in 2007.
Murape led DeMbare for the better part of the period when they won four straight league championships between 2011 and 2014.
Zvirekwi led CAPS United to the podium in 2016 and is the last Makepekepe skipper to lift the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League trophy.
The trio has been following with keen interest the riveting race for the 2026 title between Premiership debutants Hardrock and defending champions Scottland.
Hardrock are two points clear of Scottland going into the last four rounds of the season.
The Kasongo Boys clash with Dynamos in a title decider at Rufaro Saturday afternoon.
A win for Hardrock will see them open a five-point gap over Scottland who have CAF Champions League commitments on Sunday.
A win or draw for Dynamos will give Scottland some sort of relief.
The intriguing race between the Kasongo Boys and Mabvirarira has sent some fans down memory lane, back to 2012 and 2013 when the title race between Dynamos and Highlanders was decided by goal difference.
Murape was a key figure at that Dynamos side which edged Bosso on those two occasions.
“This kind of intense competition is good for the league, I am sure the race will go down to the wire,” Murape said.
The 2007 Soccer Star of the Year thinks the calibre of the coaches involved in the race makes it more exciting.
Hardrock’s Kelvin Kaindu was in charge of Highlanders when they lost the title race on the final day in 2012 and 2013.
Norman Mapeza who is in charge of Scottland has won four league titles, three with FC Platinum and one with the now defunct Monomotapa.
“Both coaches are tactically good and they have the experience,” Murape said.
“In terms of players both teams have quality so I think it will be more about character than anything else.
“This is the time for the players to enjoy the last four games and not put themselves under pressure.
“But, I think it’s difficult to call out which team will win the race
“I think maybe it will be won on the last day of the season and I wish both teams good luck,” said Murape.
After playing Dynamos, Hardrock will play MWOS (home), Simba Bhora (away) and FC Platinum (home).
Scottland still have to play Chicken Inn (home), CAPS United (away), Herentals (home) and Triangle United (away).
Triangle United are battling relegation while Makepekepe and Herentals are aiming for a top four finish.
“We are at a time where teams are not guaranteed results because everyone is fighting for something,” Zvirekwi told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“So, fans should expect gruelling battles because everyone wants to attain their targets.
“Expect anxious moments, some will cry while some will celebrate.
“The players now have to show mental strength needed to carry them through these last four games,” added Zvirekwi.
Log leaders Hardrock have the momentum.
They have won their last seven league games while Scottland have dropped nine points during this period.
However, both teams have top players who can rise to the occasion.
Prince Dube, Gerald Takwara, Tinotenda Muringai, Munashe Bamara and the league’s top scorer Washington Navaya are some of the torchbearers at Hardrock.
On the other hand Scottland also have big game players like former national team captain Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, and goalkeeper Nelson Chadya.
“At this stage you need players who can handle pressure and looking at both teams they have experienced players.
“Maybe it will be about who wants it more,” said Zvirekwi, who also won a championship medal with Gunners in 2009.
If Hardrock lift the title, they will become the first team from Kwekwe to do so. The mining town has produced a number of teams including the famous Lancashire Steel, Ziscosteel and Kwekwe Cables, but none have won the championship.
Former Lancashire Steel star player Majabvi says he would naturally be excited if Hardrock were to do it for Kwekwe.
“Both teams have terrible fixtures,” reckons Majabvi.
“This is where you need cool heads because you are going to face many challenges.
“Scottland fans want their team to retain the league title while Hardrock fans want their team to win on their debut.
“We have to credit to Hardrock, they are a new team and they have done so well.”
Last season, Scottland became the first team to win the top flight league championship in a debut season since Black Rhinos in 1984.
Hardrock now want to follow suit.
“They (Hardrock) are in this position because they have done well.
“As for Scottland, they have brought back the flair and you can see the league is now exciting.
“One team will obviously slip in these last four games but I expect the race to be decided on the final day,” added Majabvi, a three time Soccer Star of the Year runner up.
He added: “Hardrock have brought back some glory to Kwekwe and it would be nice to see them winning the title.
“People now talk of Kwekwe because of Hardrock, we should give them credit.
“I salute Hardrock owner Shepherd Chahwanda he has done a lot for Kwekwe in terms of football development. He has built a wonderful stadium and yeah, he also deserves to be happy.”
