G6 Steps Into the Late Sir Wicknell Chivayo’s Shoes as Hardrock Smell the Championship
Story By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwean football had a big week at both ends of the table. In the CAF Champions League, Scottland took a major step toward the group stages. Meanwhile, Hardrock edged closer to the domestic title.
Scottland Take a Big Step in Africa
Scottland beat Atletico Petroleos de Luanda 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. As a result, they have one foot in the group stages. The visitors lost a man in the first minute, so some felt Scottland should have scored more. That early red card was a golden opportunity to end the contest, and 2-0 may not be enough. However, others felt the scoreline was fair. Coach Mapeza noted that ten-man sides are hard to break down because they work to limit the damage.
Veterans Musona and Billiat scored the goals. They rolled back the years and set an example for the younger players. Billiat, in particular, is a Zimbabwean great who has done it all. Even so, he is still going strong.
G6 Steps Into His Late Brother’s Shoes
The moment that stayed with many people came after the final whistle. The Scottland players joined the fans in song. In fact, the night became about legacy as much as the result.
Joachim Chivayo, popularly known as G6, is the brother of the late Sir Wicknell Chivayo. Now he has stepped into those shoes with a donation of 50k to Scottland FC. The gesture fits the mood of a club on the rise under owner Scott Sakupwanya. Fans can share what they make of it and of the legacy the late Sir Wicknell has left behind.
Next, Scottland face the return leg in Luanda. They also play Chicken Inn on 4 November, after their Champions League second round qualifiers. That schedule could put them under pressure. Finally, there is a wider question: does Scottland’s progress help Zimbabwean football as a whole, or only the club?
Hardrock Close In on the Title
Meanwhile, Hardrock kept the pressure on at home. Dynamos gave them a real fight. However, a late goal from Masimba Mambare undid Dynamos. He is a former Dynamos player, and at 40 he sank his old side. The win shows Hardrock’s perseverance and hunger for the title. Coach Kevin Kaindu deserves credit.
Dynamos’ season has been chaotic. They have had three owners and five coaches because each new owner brings a new coach. They also look shaky in the top-four race. In addition, they are out of both knockout tournaments, with three league games left.
So, are Hardrock done and dusted as the next champions? Or can Scottland come back and defend their crown?
Around the League
- Relegation: With three games left, the relegation candidates look largely set. Agama sit three points behind Chiefs. Meanwhile, Triangle are eight points adrift.
- Top four: Caps United won away at FC Platinum, but Dynamos wobble.
- Facilities: The state of Zimbabwean stadiums, such as Sakubva, is a concern. Councils should maintain grounds even when no Premier League football is on.
