Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KWEKWE is shaking off years of football silence. Hardrock’s charge for the Central Region Soccer League title and a new stadium rising on the edge of town have the mining city dreaming again of the big stage that once belonged to Lancashire Steel and Chrome Stars.
The ambitious club, owned by Kwekwe businessman Shepherd Chahwanda, is only three points behind log leaders Sheasham after last weekend’s 1-0 win in the Midlands derby. Their rise has turned a routine second tier race into a two horse thriller and, more importantly, has given a football hungry city fresh pride at a time when Kwekwe United are staring at Premier Soccer League relegation.
Former Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs striker Luke Petros, who cut his teeth at the now defunct Lancashire Steel, feels the buzz.
“If you look at the bigger picture, Hardrock are constructing one of the best stadiums in the region, that is the Chahwanda Arena, which could soon meet CAF standards. This is a good development. Sheasham also have a good stadium in Gweru which has benefitted many teams and they also have good structures,” Petros told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
But he sounded a warning too.
“The unfortunate thing though is that our teams from the province, no matter how good they are, they end up lacking professionalism. When Kwekwe United earned promotion into the PSL, it was proof that they had talented and dedicated players. Meaning to say they did a great job. But lack of ethics on the part of some administrators end up affecting these teams.”
Kwekwe United’s financial troubles forced owner Phil Makekera to surrender shares to the community. Petros hopes Hardrock avoid that fate by keeping strong administrative discipline.
Former Manica Diamonds and national team coach Jairos Tapera believes Hardrock’s emergence has transformed the Central Region’s competitiveness.
“The Central Region has for a long time been lacking in terms of real competition and intensity but I must say Hardrock and Sheasham have ignited some excitement. Hardrock have a sound financial support from Chahwanda, while Sheasham are equally backed by Clever Mandaza and this is good for our football,” said Tapera, now back in the Midlands after leaving Manica Diamonds.
He says their head-to-head fight is the fiercest the region has seen.
“We are witnessing one of the most competitive seasons in the Central Region’s history. You can look at the points that separates the two teams, the quality of their players and caliber of their technical teams, then you would not want to miss their matches. We hope this will continue into the next season, having teams in the Central Region that are well funded and technically supported. These two teams have brought a lot of hope and happiness.”
For former national Under-23 goalkeeper Shaiso Chiduku, who now works in grassroots development, Hardrock’s rise is personal.
“Hats off to Chahwanda for the way he has revived football in Kwekwe, the town is now alive football wise. We are now reminiscing on the good old days because of Hardrock. Because of Hardrock, Kwekwe is back on the football map.”
Hardrock’s next fixtures will decide whether the city’s new heroes can clinch promotion and bring top-flight football back to a town eager for its past glory. Whatever the outcome, the Chahwanda Arena and the energy around it have already revived Kwekwe’s football soul.
