Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
PREMIERSHIP newboys Hardrock’s unbeaten start to the 2026 season has helped coach Kelvin Kaindu to stretch his personal streak to 19 unbeaten matches since last year.
The big-spending Kwekwe club, built on firm financial foundation, have won two games and drawn once in the opening three games of their life in the elite league.
They are only two points behind current log leaders CAPS United whom they face at Rufaro in a potentially explosive clash this afternoon.
But far from being a strong start to Hardrock, ‘Kasongo’s’ good form has fallen straight into Kaindu’s own record which has seen him going undefeated in 19 games across all competitions since taking over at Dynamos in August last year.
The Zambian gaffer miraculously rescued Dynamos from the dire straits, which could have seen the giants going down to Division One by guiding them in the last 11 top-flight games where the Glamour Boys went undefeated.
He also won each of the five Chibuku Super Cup matches including posting a 1-0 win in the final against Triangle to help Dynamos defend the crown for the second time. And he has taken the flawless record to Kwekwe where Hardrock have started on a dream note.
But his fine run will face the toughest test there has to be this season against a CAPS United side that is literally flying.
The Green Machine have transformed themselves from a circus they were last season when they fought for their Premiership status to back being the giant they are and they shown strong intent to reclaim their place at the top.
Under Takesure Chiragwi, Makepekepe have won their opening three assignments and they look polished as the games come think and fast.
“CAPS United is playing very good football,” admitted Kaindu.
“We know they are giants and we will go there with that in mind.
“I am not really chasing personal records, but I want the team to do well.
“I am happy after seeing my team beat Chicken Inn (on Wednesday) but there are areas that we can always do more to improve.”
While Hardrock were labouring for the 1-0 win over the Gamecocks at Chahwanda Stadium, CAPS United were grinding an identical win over winless Triangle on a waterlogged Gibbo pitch.
Chiragwi said: “The match against Triangle was bruising but I want to salute my players for being able to improvise and get the result.
“We are already looking forward to the match against Hardrock on Saturday (today).
“I have always said the competition in the league this season is on another level.
“There is no team which is easy to beat. Triangle almost got a result against us even when they were coming from two successive defeats.
“Hardrock have already shown that they are made up of steel.
“Remember they forced a draw against reigning champions Scottland in the opening weekend of the season.
“That means they are a capable team when it comes to competing in this league. They have also beaten perennial campaigners ZPC Kariba and Chicken Inn.
“We are preparing the way we have prepared in our previous games. We are hoping to do well against them.”
Chiragwi’s charges have proven to be worth their salt when it comes to depth with different names stepping up in providing assists and goals.
Striker Obriel Chirinda, who Hardrock reportedly inquired on before learning he had already been snatched by CAPS United from Ngezi Platinum, is already flying with a goal and assist, mirroring teammate Ishmael Wadi while Brett Amidu, Richard Hachiro and Malawian import Chawanangwa Kaonga can also be a menace for opponents.
But Hardrock aren’t short of talent with reigning Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya, Wilfred Madzungu, Junior Makunike and Nigel Matinha the men capable of downing Makepekepe.
Their goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga is one of the only three goalminders yet to be breached after three match-days.
Just last season, the former Dynamos goalkeeper rarely saw action at Simba Bhora, but he has started brightly for Hardrock where he has even been good enough to push long-time Warriors’ understudy goalkeeper Martin Mapisa to the bench.
Mateyaunga knows Makepekepe very well having spent two seasons at the Harare giants.
“I would like to thank God for protecting me and helping me perform well. My teammates are also doing well,” said Mateyaunga.
“CAPS United are a big team. They are in great form right now. But we are ready as a team. We are also doing well and as a goalkeeper, my aim is always to keep a clean sheet.”
