BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
NEWLY-PROMOTED Kwekwe-based side Hardrock FC has wasted no time in laying down a marker ahead of their debut season in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 2026.
The ambitious “Golden Boys” have pulled off a major coup by appointing highly rated Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu as head coach — an unmistakable signal that the club intends to be far more than mere survival candidates in their maiden top-flight campaign.
Kaindu arrives with a growing reputation for tactical astuteness and mental resilience, qualities forged during one of the most remarkable relegation escapes in recent PSL history. The Zambian tactician joined struggling giants Dynamos FC mid-season when their situation appeared almost beyond repair.
At the beginning of August, with just 11 matches remaining, Dynamos languished in 17th place — seven points adrift of safety. What followed was extraordinary. Kaindu engineered an 11-match unbeaten run, culminating in the Glamour Boys securing their top-flight status on the final day of the season.
The feat underlined not only Kaindu’s technical competence but also his ability to instil belief, discipline and a winning mentality in a desperate dressing room — qualities Hardrock will rely on as they navigate the treacherous waters of the PSL.
The club officially announced the signing in a statement on Saturday.
“Hardrock Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Kelvin Kaindu as the new head coach, effective immediately. A highly respected figure in African football, coach Kaindu brings extensive experience and a winning pedigree to the Golden Boys,” the club said.
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“His managerial journey includes successful spells with Zanaco FC, Power Dynamos, Highlanders FC, and, most recently, he guided Dynamos FC to victory in the Chibuku Cup.”
Kaindu, in turn, expressed excitement about the project.
“I’m honoured to be joining Hardrock FC at such a pivotal moment. This club has shown ambition, unity, potential and I’m ready to contribute to its continued rise,” he said.
Club president Shepherd Magodora Chahwanda welcomed the coach and voiced full confidence in his leadership ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Bankrolled by Chahwanda, Hardrock FC has demonstrated a commitment to excellence from the ground up. Their Central Region Soccer League championship triumph, which secured promotion to the PSL, was merely the first phase of a broader vision.
That ambition is further reflected in the assembly of a formidable and experienced technical team. Kaindu will be assisted by Prince Matore, Calvin Maphosa and Isaac Nyabvure. Munyaradzi Diya takes charge as goalkeepers’ coach, assisted by Phimuzile Zikhali, while Ronald Sibanda assumes the role of team manager.
In a communication to stakeholders on Friday, Chahwanda praised the achievements of 2025 but stressed that top-flight football demands evolution.
“As we prepare for our journey into the 2026 PSL season, we acknowledge that new levels demand new strategies,” he said.
“... we will implement some structural adjustments in both our executive and technical departments. These adjustments are necessary to strengthen our operations, enhance competitiveness, and align our club with PSL standards.”
The emphasis on early structural reform points to a culture of proactive planning, while the club is reportedly already building a competitive playing squad, with several top players linked to the Kwekwe outfit
Perhaps the most significant commitment to the club's long-term sustainability and immediate competitiveness is the construction
of the Chahwanda Stadium — The Heart Main Arena.
The facility is understood to meet Caf standards and will be ready to host league matches next season, ensuring the team has a world-class home ground and providing Kwekwe with a major piece of sporting infrastructure.
With Kaindu at the helm, solid financial backing, a strong technical bench and elite infrastructure, Hardrock FC have made its ambitions unmistakably clear. They are not coming to the PSL to make up the numbers.
The league has been put on notice.
