IN the quiet outskirts of Kwekwe, something tectonic is shifting.
While most newly-promoted sides enter the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with the cautious humility of a guest at a dinner party, Hardrock have arrived with the shine of 24-karat ambition.
Backed by the deep pockets of gold tycoon Shepherd Magodora Chahwanda, the Golden Boys are not just looking for a seat at the table — they want to own the room.
With a flurry of marquee signings and the construction of arguably the best stadium in the country, Hardrock are signalling that their debut season will not be about survival.
It will be about a coronation.
The domestic transfer market was sent into a frenzy this past week as Hardrock announced five high-profile arrivals, turning a formidable roster into what many are calling a “monster squad”.
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The recruitment strategy is surgical, blending youth with international pedigree and battle-hardened experience.
Leading the new wave is Warriors goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, who brings European and international experience to the Kwekwe-based side.
He is joined by Zambian international Andrew Phiri and the mercurial Munashe Bamara.
In a move that signals their financial muscle, Hardrock even raided former champions Simba Bhora for three of their pillars in midfield generals Donald Mudadi and Junior Makunike, who is currently overseas on trials, and veteran keeper Tonderai Mateyaunga.
These stars join a dressing room already packed with good talent like Misheck Ngwenya, Xolani Ndlovu and the Central Region’s “Golden Boy”, Wilfred Madzungu.
With rumours swirling that reigning Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya, whose 17-goal haul for TelOne last season made him the most clinical striker in the land, is currently packing his bags for Kwekwe, the rest of the league is beginning to look nervously over their shoulders.
To manage this constellation of egos and talent, Chahwanda has turned to a man who knows how to handle the pressure of the big stage.
Kelvin Kaindu, the Zambian tactician fresh off a miracle relegation escape with Dynamos, has been lured to Kwekwe.
His mandate is blunt — win the championship.
Kaindu is chasing a ghost of history—specifically the feat achieved by Scottland, who shocked the nation by clinching the title in their debut season last year.
With the season set for a mid-February kickoff, Hardrock are already being touted as the team to beat.
Success, however, is not just about what happens on the grass, it’s about the grass itself.
Chahwanda has spared no expense, constructing the Chahwanda Stadium (The Heart Main Arena).
Located on the edge of Kwekwe’s CBD, the facility is arguably the finest stadium in Zimbabwe, offering a golden feel in the heart of the Midlands.
Plans are also reportedly underway for a foreign pre-season camp, a luxury for most local clubs, to ensure the squad is physically elite before the first whistle blows.
“New levels demand new strategies,” Chahwanda said.
“These adjustments are necessary to strengthen our operations, enhance competitiveness, and align our club with PSL standards.”
The blueprint is clear.
Between the glittering infrastructure, a “who’s who” of Zimbabwean talent, and a coach hungry for silverware, Hardrock have removed every possible excuse for failure.
Kwekwe has long been known for the gold beneath its soil.
If this aggressive gamble pays off, by the end of November this year, it will be known for the gold in its trophy cabinet.