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It’s all over for us: Hardbody

Sport
HARDBODY coach Godfrey Tamirepi has thrown in the towel, conceding that his team will be playing in the unfashionable Central Soccer League next season following an indifferent Premiership debut season.

HARDBODY coach Godfrey Tamirepi has thrown in the towel, conceding that his team will be playing in the unfashionable Central Soccer League next season following an indifferent Premiership debut season.

REPORT BY SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Tamirepi, who witnessed his charges fall 2-0 to championship-chasing Highlanders on Sunday, said there is nothing more to fight for save for pride in the two remaining games.

Despite there being a mathematical chance of survival for the Gweru side, who seat on 15th position with 23 points, Tamirepi, a usually defiant character, believes the defeat to Bosso was the final blow to their survival quest.

Two goals in the first half by Mthulisi Maphosa and Cleopas Dube dealt a huge blow to Hardbody’s survival chances.

If Hardbody win their remaining two encounters against Black Mambas (away) and Dynamos at home to go to 29 points, and Black Mambas, who are on 12th with 28 points and appear safer from relegation, lose all their matches, the Gweru side might survive the chop

“After losing this game, I think we are dead and buried. It’s all over for us. I don’t think there is anything we can do now to survive and the reality we have to face is that we will be playing in Division One next season,” he said.

The Hardbody coach said his team will be playing for pride in the remaining matches, dismissing suggestion that he might sell the remaining matches, particularly the Dynamos game, which has a bearing on the championship.

“We will be playing for pride in our two remaining matches and like I said, that is what is left to play for. We will give our best in the two games to live a mark in the league. We will die fighting and Dynamos and Mambas can expect tough challenges from us,” Tamirepi said.

He revealed that he will stick with the team despite relegation.

Tamirepi joined Hardbody a game before the halfway mark of the season following the sacking of Tavaka Gumbo.

“I am not going anywhere. I’m sticking with the team even in such harsh times. For me it’s a matter of pride, not mine, but that of the team.”

Out of the 28 matches played so far, Watosvorwa have only won six games, drew five and lost 17 matches to have 23 points with two games to go before the end of the season.

If Hardbody lose or draw their next game against Black Mambas, they will officially kiss premiership football goodbye.