4By Kudakwashe Matizanadzo
KWEKWE – The gold town is dreaming, and for the first time, the dream is not about what is under the ground. It is about what is on top of the table. The table obviously is not unaware of the Scotts’ game in hand. Two now considering they are playing continental football tomorrow.
Saturday was a big day. Hardrock two points ahead of Scotland faced the ultimate enemies. Dembare (Dynamos) at their favorite hunting ground.
To say their favorite hunting ground will be to diminish the importance of the game. It is Dembare’s fortress, where few get away unscathed.
Hardrock came to Harare knowing this truth. Rufaro is not ‘kids game’ as Winky D would put it.
Rufaro represents Dembare. That’s the heartbeat of Dynamos. Deep in the ghetto of mbare. Anyone who has been there before the 200s will tell you, no team comes out of Rufaro unharmed.
Just like emagumeni ‘barbourfields’ in Bulawayo where Highlanders supporters expect victory always, Rufara had same aura today.
Hardrock knew what was at stake. Dembare too knew. After all, there are bragging rights to take home.
Having deafeted Hardrock at their fortress in Kwekwe; this seemed like a routine disciplinary ceremony of ‘new comers’.
Kevin Kaindu has seen it all. He almost brought back the glory days back to Bosso. He saved Dembare last season. They call him an almost.
The Rufaro stadium test could be his biggest achievement thus far. 90 minutes into the match and it’s still 0-0. The veteran who everyone has written off delivers in optimal time. Yes, Masimba Mambare! The veteran made the difference.
Going into the match, Hardrock had a 2 point lead over title holders Scotland. They knew a draw or loss would boost the chasers’ confidence as they held a better goal difference.
Football is decided whe the final whistle blows. Hardrock and Dembare seemed like they were headed for a draw when the 90 minutes was up.
However things changed in the second minute of injury time. The substitute, veteran Masimba Mambare gave Hardrock the lead sending Dembare, and of course ‘Scotland’ supporters into mourning.
Three to go now, Hardrock need at least eight pints as it stands to be crowned champions.
Maybe now it’s Kevin Kaindu’s time to lift the most coveted trophy. H Metro ran a story about the number 4, just a week ago as they predicted Mapeza has an assignment with the number.
Now it’s three, probably there’s something else to ponder, but one thing for sure Hardrock isn’t listening to anyone’s troubles. They say famba Hardi, ko Pachineyi?
They got Prince Dube, warriors’ number 9 from Tanzanian giants Azam. They have the league’s top goalscorer in Washington Navaya.
With three to go, they have every reason to believe it’s come ng home. Scotland have a game in hand. But Hardrock victory means they sure have to get all three points when they return to the domestic league.
Now that’s the kind of pressure you would want to avoid. But they have seasoned campaigners, players who been at the highest.
They have a championship winning coach, Mapeza. They have the best ever Zim player, Peter Ndlovu as their manager. To write them off will be suicide.
But can Knowledge Musona and company rise to the location. I’m sure Peter will tell them when he literally sent the warriors to the Afcon tournament single handedly. But the question is do they have a Peter in that line up?
Well, we wait. Hardrock has three to take it. The Scotts still have 4 to wrestle it away.
Probably the best title race in years. Scott and Chahwanda are friends, so says rumours. Magodora was actually at Scotland game in their inaugural CAF game.
But now it’s different. The game has escalated. It’s no longer about friendship but ambition .
Kwekwe-based newcomers who started the season with the modest target of survival are top of the league on 66 points, five clear of defending champions Scottland FC on 61 who have a game in hand.
Last weekend was the twist no one saw coming in January. Scotland lost to relegation
