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FOR Roselyn Dube, Hardrock Queens’ historic triumph in the Women’s Central Region Division One championship is more than just a ticket to the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League.
It represents another important step towards fulfilling a lifelong dream of representing Zimbabwe at the highest level.
The versatile player, who has previously experienced top-flight football with MSU Queens, is eager to make the most of another opportunity in the elite league after helping Hardrock Queens secure promotion.
Hardrock Queens recorded 17 wins and a draw the entire season after conceding a single goal the entire season.
Dube’s football journey began in Gokwe, where she developed her passion for the game while growing up and playing with boys in the streets.
Her ambition to become a professional footballer eventually took her to Wings Football Club in Kwekwe, where she began pursuing her dream before moving to MSU.
While studying for a degree in Music Business and Music Technology, Dube spent four seasons with MSU Queens in the Premier Soccer League, balancing her academic commitments with football.
She subsequently moved to South Africa, where she spent two seasons with Richmond Ladies United before returning home and joining Hardrock Queens.
Her latest chapter, however, was not without setbacks.
An ankle injury sustained during Hardrock Queens’ opening match against Midlands Terrain in Gokwe disrupted her campaign, keeping her out for almost three months and ruling her out for the remainder of the first round.
“My biggest challenge this season was an ankle injury I sustained in our opening match against Midlands Terrain in Gokwe. I played that game, but the injury kept me out for almost three months, meaning I missed the remainder of the first round,” Dube said.
“When I returned in the second round, I had to work hard to regain my fitness, sharpness and understanding of the team’s tactics.
“I thank God for helping me recover and return to football. I gradually improved, and there were games where I felt I had performed well. That gave me confidence and motivation to keep pushing.”
For the midfielder, the prospect of returning to the PSL is an exciting one, but she is under no illusion about the demands that come with competing at that level.
Having previously played in the competition with MSU Queens, she believes her experience will be useful as Hardrock Queens.
“Having played in the Premier Soccer League before with MSU Queens, I know what to expect, so there is nothing for me to fear. However, I also understand that PSL football is different from Division One, and it demands more commitment, hard work and consistency,” she said.
“Given the opportunity to continue with Hardrock Queens next season, I promise to bring some fireworks. We have good coaches, and from what I have seen this season, I believe we will learn a lot from them” she said.
Hardrock Queens coach Choice Dambuza said she was happy with their promotion.
“We achieved this in our debut season. And I am happy.
“We are grateful to the support we received from the club administration. The support was immense and pushed us to this point, despite assembling the squad,” she said.
