Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League newboys Hardrock are showing their intent and are flexing their muscle on the transfer market as they ready themselves for their maiden season in the top-flight.
The Kwekwe-side are on a shopping spree, having already added several experienced players to their squad.
Highly-rated defender Boyd Mutukure was one of the first signings along with nomadic goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga and Xolani Ndlovu from Chicken Inn.
Exciting midfielder Junior Makunike also left former champions Simba Bhora for the Kwekwe outfit.
Former Dynamos midfielder Donald Mudadi is believed to be on his way from Simba Bhora to Hardrock.
On New Year’s Day, the Kasongo Boys added another arrow to their quiver with the signing of hardworking MWOS midfielder Nigel Matinha.
“MWOS can confirm that Nigel Matinha has completed a permanent move to Hardrock,” the Norton-based club announced.
“Everyone at the club thanks Nigel for his dedication and service and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
But the Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that Hardrock are not done yet.
They are also targeting the TelOne duo of striker Tawanda Macheke and defender Admire Dzumbunu.
It is Macheke in particular that has been earmarked as Hardrock’s marquee signing.
Ex-DeMbare forward Macheke had an outstanding season with the Wi-Fi boys netting eight times and providing 10 assists as TelOne recorded their best season in PSL.
“Hardrock have been persistently knocking on the TelOne doors for the two players,” said a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“They have a strong interest in Macheke and are even open to a loan deal if they cannot get the striker on a permanent basis, but TelOne are not keen to do business especially that they are likely to lose Soccer Star of the year, Washington Navaya whose contract expired at the end of the year.”
Hardrock recently appointed Zambian tactician, Kelvin Kaindu as their head coach for the upcoming season.
So far, they have retained the services of Lenox Mucheto, Alpha Dube and captain Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye from the team that won promotion from the Central Region Soccer League.
Bongani Ndlovu