Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARDROCK’S impressive start to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this season can be linked to the rise of three talented youngsters forming a potent attacking trio that’s leaving defenders breathless.
Wilfred Madzungu, Tinashe ‘Majudha’ Mashaireni and Last ‘Dhindiri’ Nyilenda have combined to score five of the team’s seven goals, making them the team’s talismen and brightest hopes for the future.
Their meet-up at Hardrock is more of a fairy tale, Mashaireni and Nyilenda were part of the 2024 CRSL title-winning Kwekwe United, with Prince Matore as their coach. Mashaireni left United for Chicken Inn, having joined the team during the mid-season window from Ngezi Platinum.
Majudha then joined Hardrock during the 2025 mid-season window from Chicken Inn, joining Nyilenda once again who had signed with the miners after leaving Kwekwe United.
Madzungu, the reigning CRSL Soccer Star of the Year and Golden Boot winner, joined the team from Sheasham in January, bringing his pace, power, and finishing ability to the attack.
Manzungu, the 23-year-old striker from Mbizo, Kwekwe, has been on fire, scoring three goals in two games.
“I’ve worked hard on my finishing, and it’s paying off,” he said. “I’m just focusing on scoring goals and helping the team win.” Madzungu started coming off the bench and netted the first goal at Chahwanda against Chicken Inn, and had an assist for Washington Navaya against ZPC Kariba then a brace against Herentals.
“I’m just working hard to fit in with the big boys, it’s like the ball flows with me,” he added.
Madzungu said, “My coach Kelvin Kaindu always tells me to play simple and move forward, I feel happy and appreciated, I’m really thankful for the opportunity he has given me.”
Mashaireni, the creative central midfielder from Amaveni, Kwekwe, has been creating opportunities for his team’s attack , scoring one goal and providing pace and skill upfront.
“I’m just trying to do my job and support the team,” he said.
Mashaireni heaped praise on his coach. “Coach Kaindu has brought a lot of experience and tactical awareness to the team. He’s helped me improve my game by emphasizing the importance of discipline and staying focused.”
The 21-year-old Nyilenda the whirlwind winger from Chikangwe, Karoi, has been a revelation, scoring one goal and providing pace and energy behind the strikers with high work rate.
“I’m loving every minute of it,” he said. Nyilenda says he’s not surprised with his form as he’s continuing from where he left off in division one.
“There are no much surprises for me in the PSL, I’m just continuing from where I left from in division one, but I’m learning a lot in the topflight league from the technical team, experienced players, everyday it’s a learning curve,” Nyilenda said.
Nyilenda’s first PSL goal was special, and he wishes to score more.
“Scoring my first goal in PSL was special, I wish to score more goals, maybe scoring against Herentals was a sign of good things to come. It has been my desire to score goals and they will come,” he said.
