By Flata Kavinga
Hardrock FC progressed to the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup after edging Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 at Chahwanda Stadium today.
Captain Tinotenda Muringani scored the decisive goal as Hardrock secured their place in the last eight in a tightly contested encounter.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu described the match as difficult but was pleased with the result, saying Bulawayo Chiefs adopted a defensive approach that made it difficult for his side to play their usual game.
“What is important is for us to progress to the second round. We knew that our opponents would come and play a defensive game, which they did,” Kaindu said.
“They played with a roadblock. It was a bit difficult for us. We didn’t play our usual game. We created few scoring chances and also maybe we lacked a bit of flair and the ability to go forward. But what is important, we managed to get a win.”
The victory extended Hardrock’s winning run to five matches, with Kaindu saying the team’s consistency would be crucial as they balance their cup and league commitments.
“We have been consistent in the last few games. This is our fifth game that we are winning in a row. We just hope that we remain consistent also as we go to the league games,” he said.
Kaindu said the club would also have to carefully manage the workload of players with minor knocks as the fixture schedule intensifies.
He added that forward Prince Dube could resume training this weekend but said the club would not rush him back into competitive action.
“We are hoping that maybe this week he should be available. He may start his training. But we don’t want to rush him. We have got important games ahead of us,” Kaindu said.
The coach also praised the integration of the club’s new signings, particularly players who joined from Eswatini, saying their earlier arrival had helped them settle into the team.
“We’ve seen how Mavuso was quite instrumental in today’s game. We just hope that he is consistent in the games that he’s playing and hope we see him also get a goal in the games that we are playing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino accepted the defeat and congratulated Hardrock for progressing to the next round.
“Any coach would want to proceed, to go to the next round in any competition. What is important for us is to keep on developing the team,” Nyikadzino said.
“We really wanted to go to the next stage. Unfortunately, Hardrock won. Congratulations to them. We wanted the win. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get that win.”
Nyikadzino also played down tensions involving match officials after the final whistle, saying referees have a role to play in football.
“My area is to coach football, I don’t coach referees. After the game, emotions run high — that’s why I was there to try and cool down the tempers,” he said.
“It’s the referee’s job to give a red card. That’s his job. That’s controlling the situation. He has played his part as a referee.”
With their Chibuku Super Cup campaign over, Bulawayo Chiefs will now turn their attention to the league and the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, where they remain in contention.
Hardrock, meanwhile, will look to maintain their winning momentum as they continue their campaign on multiple fronts.
