Tongai Mashonga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Chibuku Super Cup semi-final showdown between Hardrock and Hunters could be one for the archives.
Both teams are newcomers in the PSL, and they are seeking to make history.
This is not the first time that they have met, and FC Hunters are also out to avenge their last defeat at Rufaro. But in Hardrock, Hunters are aware they face a team that has stayed true to their name.
But coach Kelvin Kaindu is preaching caution and humility as the Kwekwe-based miners brace for this tricky tie.
Hardrock, the surprise pacesetters of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, will momentarily put their title charge on hold.
“We need to maintain our confidence and belief,” Kaindu said.
The stakes could not be higher.
Hardrock secured their semi-final berth after booting out fancied Scottland 1-0 in a quarter-final thriller at Rufaro, courtesy of Neliswa Dlamini’s early strike.
In the league, Hardrock have been ruthless against Hunters, completing a double, including a humiliating 6-1 rout at Chahwanda that left Hunters gaffer Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera fuming.
“Past results are in the league, not in the cup games. I hope we stay focused, as Hunters play organised football and they deserve to be there in the semi-finals,” said the Zambian tactician.
It is a timely warning.
Hardrock shift focus to the cup on the back of a rare blemish at their fortress. Their last cup outing ended in heartbreak: a 1-0 home defeat to Herentals in the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup quarter-final.
“We have two games left to play in the league, and we now shift our focus to the cup where we had our last defeat. We have concerns about a few players, but we hope they will be ready for Saturday’s game,” he said.
If Hardrock have pedigree, Hunters have providence. Saruchera’s men arrive in the Midlands mining city buoyed and bubbling with confidence, carrying the dreaded tag of giant-killers. In the Chibuku quarter-finals, they dethroned holders Dynamos, three-time winners, 4-1 on penalties after a gritty 1-1 draw in regulation time at Rufaro, ending DeMbare’s 14-match unbeaten run in the competition.
And they repeated the giant-killing act in the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, orchestrating a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to force a 2-2 draw against CAPS United before winning 3-1 on penalties.
