By Flata Kavinga
Premier Soccer League debutants Hardrock FC secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over visiting Chicken Inn at Chahwanda Stadium on Wednesday, continuing their encouraging start to the season.
A second-half strike by Wilfred Manzungu proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter, handing the hosts maximum points against an experienced Chicken Inn side.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu acknowledged a slow start by his team but praised their response after the break.
“We started a bit jittery in the first half, but in the second half we came back a much-changed side,” said Kaindu. “We improved our ball possession, circulated the ball better and showed more intent going forward. I want to appreciate the resilience the team showed to get the result.”
The win marks Hardrock’s second victory of the campaign, following a 1–0 triumph over ZPC Kariba, while they opened their season with a goalless draw against Scotland at the same venue.
Kaindu, however, cautioned that the team is still a work in progress, citing the need for cohesion in a newly assembled squad.
“This is basically a new team, so it may take time for combinations to come together. But there are positive signs, especially in the way we played in the second half,” he said.
He also raised concern over a congested fixture schedule, with his side set to face CAPS United in Harare in their next outing.
“For us to play three games in seven days is demanding, but we will try to manage the situation and make necessary adjustments,” he added.
Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya blamed his side’s failure to convert first-half chances for the defeat.
“I thought we lost the game in the first half. We created several clear-cut chances but couldn’t score,” said Ndiraya. “That affected us physically as the game progressed.”
Ndiraya noted that his players showed signs of fatigue, which made it difficult to maintain intensity in the second half.
“We conceded from a cross which we should have defended better, considering our experience at the back. After that, we tried to push forward, but we couldn’t create clear chances,” he said.
Despite the loss, Ndiraya commended his players’ effort and acknowledged the challenge posed by the demanding early-season schedule.
“It’s a tough start to the season with a lot of travel, but all teams are facing the same situation. We just need to regroup and prepare for our next match,” he said.
The result sees Hardrock FC build momentum in their debut top-flight campaign, while Chicken Inn will look to bounce back in their next fixture at home against Ngezi Platinum.
