Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
Hardrock FC’s meteoric rise to the Premier Soccer League culminated in a dazzling kit unveiling ceremony at Goldridge College on Saturday night, marking a milestone promotion with a glittering ceremony.
The event drew dignitaries, including corporate executives, indigenous business people, and the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Midlands Province, Owen Ncube.
Ncube’s keynote address crackled with pride as he lauded Hardrock FC’s promotion, spotlighting the team’s diverse talent pool spanning Zimbabwe, Zambia and Eswatini.
“It gives me great pleasure to officiate as Guest of Honour at the momentous kit unveiling ceremony for Midlands Province’s newly promoted Premier Soccer League team.
“The club, comprised of 30 players that include some from Zambia and Eswatini, demonstrates its commitment towards bringing serious competition to the premier league.
Addressing players, Minister Ncube urged professionalism and cautioned against substance abuse.
“According to Pele, the greatest football player of all time, ‘celebrity status arising from being part of the beautiful game of football, if not properly managed, may signal the downfall of many a player and football administrators’.
“I therefore urge you to remain focused and produce desired results,” he said.
As the club officially unveiled their new playing strips for the 2026 season on Friday, February 28, Club Chairman Wellington Mpandare outlined the team’s ambitious agenda for the upcoming campaign.
“Today, we unveil not just new kits, but a renewed pledge to excellence, resilience, and unity. Hardrock FC stands poised to make an indelible mark on Zimbabwean football, driven by passion, loyalty, and the unwavering support of our fans. These kits embody our spirit, they are a badge of honour, a symbol of our journey, and a testament to our unrelenting pursuit of greatness. Together, let’s script a season of triumphs,” said Mpandare.
Hardrock players showcased their new kits for the 2026 season, with Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye donning the home kit (green and white strips), Washington Navaya the away kit (green and yellow), Sambulo Simelane the third kit (all white) and Martin Mapisa sporting the goalkeepers’ home kit (all black).
The club also unveiled its 30-man squad for the upcoming season.
In a special auction, Kwekwe businessman Cliff Makiwa made headlines by purchasing a Hardrock jersey signed by the club president for a whopping US$25 000, the highest bid of the night.
Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye’s full kit, including stockings, shorts, and jersey, fetched US$4 500, while Washington Navaya’s kit sold for US$1 000.
Wilfred Manzungu’s full kit attracted two bidders, selling for US$1 500 and US$1 400.
Now the stage is set for a thrilling encounter on Sunday, March 8 as both Hardrock FC and Scottland FC have unveiled their kits, revealing their colours and players ahead of the highly-anticipated match, which is set to ignite Chahwanda Stadium.
