Gold miners vs Platinum miners: Who will rule the roost at Chahwanda stadium on Sunday?

Hardrock FC’s decent start to life in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is set to face the ultimate litmus test when they host Ngezi Platinum Stars — a team that has risen from the ashes like a phoenix, overcoming a massive exodus of players and a FIFA transfer ban.

One point separates these two teams, whose form has been nothing short of impressive since the start of the season. Hardrock sit in second position with 16 points, neck on neck with leaders Caps United, but with an inferior goal difference.

Meanwhile, the Madamburo are fourth on the table with 15 points, hot on the heels of third-placed Harare Giants Dynamos, who have a superior goal difference.

Hardrock’s only blemish was their 2-0 loss at the hands of log leaders Caps United at Rufaro Stadium on March 21. However, they’ve bounced back and have five wins and a draw.

On the other hand, Ngezi Platinum Stars are still riding high, unbeaten with four wins and three draws — a big statement of intent for a team that was written off as relegation candidates before the season even started.

UNBEATEN AT HOME: WILL HARDROCK PASS THE PLATINUM TEST?

Ngezi Platinum Stars FC squad at Rufaro stadium. Picture by Ngezi Platinum Stars/Facebook

Having refused to be intimidated on their home turf, drawing with Scottland FC before beating the likes of Chicken Inn, Herentals College FC, and Agama, Hardrock FC has kept a clean slate at home.

The Golden Boys have scored eight goals while conceding just three times in seven matches — they’re no pushovers. Coach Kelvin Kaindu is not getting complacent, banking on his team’s depth to take on the Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva-coached side.

“They are a tough nut to crack, but we have got the depth. Ngezi is still unbeaten, it’s a difficult game ahead of us, but we have got a little bit of depth.

“We have enough players who have been rested, so we are looking forward to the challenge. We have been working hard in training and we’re ready to face a team that’s currently on a roll. It’s a big test for us, but we’re up for it.”

With one of the strongest defenses in the league, having kept five clean sheets in seven matches, Hardrock FC is confident of getting a win.

Goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga has been in top form, conceding just three goals — twice against Caps United and once against Herentals College FC. The Students are the only team to have managed a goal at Chahwanda Stadium.

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