Eswatini stars 3 games away from Zim title

MBABANE – Hardrock FC will be crowned Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions if they win their remaining three fixtures of the season.

According to Zimbabwean publication, The Herald, securing the coveted title will be no walk in the park for the leaders. Defending champions Scottland FC, who trail by five points with a game in hand, remain firmly in pursuit once their CAF Champions League assignment in Angola concludes.

The title race carries immense local interest, with five Eswatini international stars right in the thick of the battle. Hardrock feature a strong quartet in Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo, while Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala is aiming to retain the crown with Scottland.

Hardrock host MWOS this weekend before facing Simba Bhora away and closing the campaign at home to FC Platinum. Scottland’s remaining run-in includes CAPS United, Chicken Inn, Herentals and Triangle United.

This weekend’s clash against MWOS is non-negotiable for Kwekwe-based Hardrock. Head Coach Kelvin Kaindu’s side are on an eight-match unbeaten run, but the veteran Zambian tactician has urged his squad to guard against complacency.

“There are still nine points to play for, and the race remains open. We have a five-point cushion over Scottland, which gives us mileage, but we must stay consistent. Winning late against Dynamos showed we have a champion mentality, but momentum is fragile,” Kaindu was quoted as saying.

Kaindu understands the pressure of tight run-ins, having twice missed out on the title on goal difference during his tenure at Highlanders in 2012 and 2013.

“In my previous near-misses, I never held a five-point cushion,” Kaindu added. “We must stay compact, focused, and take it one game at a time.”

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