HARDROCK will have to wait until the final matchday to confirm their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title after being held to a goalless draw by Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva on Saturday.

The Kwekwe-based team had a chance to secure the championship with a game to spare, but Simba Bhora’s defensive strategy denied the league leaders the victory they needed.

The stalemate leaves Hardrock with 70 points from 33 matches, keeping them top of the standings, while defending champions Scottland remain in contention.

Hardrock entered the match with a four-point lead over Scotland, but their inability to convert scoring opportunities means the title race will now be decided on the final matchday.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu lamented his team’s lack of composure in front of goal.

“I don’t know how many chances we had, but our lack of composure cost us the game. Our opponents played well; it’s unfortunate they were too defensive.We missed many chances,” he said.

Simba Bhora adopted a strong defensive approach, successfully frustrating Hardrock, who had hoped to celebrate their first top-flight championship in Shamva.
Despite this setback, Hardrock still controls their title destiny, with their final assignment against FC Platinum set to determine whether they will finish the season as champions.

Their impressive maiden top-flight campaign has put them within reach of the domestic crown, but they must perform well in the final match to complete their title bid.
In other matches, Highlanders concluded their home campaign with a 2-2 draw against TelOne in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
The result marked Bosso’s 10th home draw of the season, with Isaac Ngoma scoring both goals to deny the visitors full points.

TelOne, known as the Wi-Fi Boys, scored through Johannes Mabwe and Donald Teguru, who found the net in each half.

Highlanders had hoped to give their home supporters a victory but were once again held to a draw, bringing their home record to five wins, nine draws, and two defeats.

Highlanders assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube focused on his team’s fighting spirit, while TelOne head coach Joel Luphahla said his players were let down by their mental approach.
“It was an exciting game of football; you could see the fighting spirit from the boys. We can only appreciate the way they played,” Dube said.
“The boys have been performing well in terms of play. I believe their mental side has been their major undoing,” Luphahla added.

In Harare, Dynamos defeated relegated Manica Diamonds 1-0, consolidating their top-four position. The Glamour Boys now have 55 points.