FLAMBOYANT Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) debutants, Hardrock FC, have officially hit the ground running, signalling their arrival in the topflight with a flurry of transfer activity.
This week, the Golden Boys announced the signing of nine players as part of an aggressive recruitment drive aimed at cementing their place among the elite.
While the club has largely focused on unearthing rising stars from the lower divisions and little-known talents, the sheer scale of their business is worth noting.
Under the guidance of veteran Zambian tactician Kelvin Kaindu, the Kwekwe-based outfit is blending raw potential with strategic experience to build a squad capable of more than just survival.
The club’s official recruitment strategy features a diverse list of talent spanning from established Premier League outfits to the regional divisions.
Nigel Matinha, a nimblefooted midfielder, joins from 2025 PSL runners-up MWOS FC, while the club also secured the services of Wilfred Madzungu.
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Madzungu arrives as a marquee addition from Sheasham FC, carrying the prestige of being the reigning 2025 CRSL Soccer Star of the Year and Golden Boot Winner.
To add flair to the wings, Hardrock signed Edward Musena, an explosive left-footed player from Chicken Inn.
Defensive stability has been addressed through the acquisition of Misheck Ngwenya from FC Platinum and Marshall Gavaza from ZPC Kariba, both of whom bring vital top-flight experience.
The squad is further bolstered by Tinashe Mashaireni from Ngezi Platinum Stars, goalkeeper Elton Sibanda from Sheasham FC, Simon Makawa from ZPC Kariba and promising prospects Prince Gwetu and Oncemore Uriri from Gwanda Pirates and Grain Tigers, respectively.
Despite the official signings, the local football fraternity is abuzz with reports that Hardrock have also captured the signatures of two massive stars: Warriors goalkeeper Martin Mapisa from MWOS FC and the reigning Soccer Star of the Year, Washington Navaya.
Navaya, who finished as the league’s top scorer with TelOne, is fresh from representing Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
While the club has yet to officially unveil the duo, their arrival would signify a massive shift in the PSL power balance.
The rapid squad building follows the high-profile appointment of Kaindu late last year.
Kaindu, famous for his recent great escape with giants Dynamos, was lured to Kwekwe by the club’s ambitious owner, Shepherd Magodora Chahwanda.
Chahwanda, the proprietor, has spared no expense in preparing the Golden Boys for their debut, including the construction of the state-of-the-art Chahwanda Stadium (The Heart Main Arena).
Speaking on the club’s direction in December, Chahwanda emphasised that the jump to the PSL required an evolution in strategy.
“As we prepare for our journey into the 2026 PSL season, we acknowledge that new levels demand new strategies,” he stated.
“These adjustments are necessary to strengthen our operations, enhance competitiveness and align our club with PSL standards.”
With the squad quickly taking shape, Hardrock FC are no longer just a newcomer—they are a warning.
A warning that the Golden Boys are in the league to compete, and the rest of the league has been officially put on notice.