Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
FEW people understand the highs and lows of professional football better than Prince Dube. The Hardrock striker has travelled a long road to get where he is today.
He has experienced the disappointment of struggling for game time in South Africa, the joy of rebuilding his career at Highlanders, the thrill of winning trophies in Tanzania and the privilege of representing Zimbabwe on some of African football’s biggest stages.
Now, after years spent abroad, Dube is back home and embracing a fresh challenge with Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newcomers Hardrock.
The 29-year-old forward joined the Kwekwe-based side on July 2 and has wasted little time making his presence felt.
Despite starting only six matches since his return from Tanzania, the striker affectionately known as “Mgadafi” has already scored four goals and provided three assists. His influence has been further underlined by three Man of the Match awards, while his growing partnership with league top scorer Washington Navaya has become one of Hardrock’s biggest weapons.
Last Saturday, Dube once again showed his value when he scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Hardrock edged FC Hunters 2-1, keeping the club firmly in touch with league leaders Scottland.
“I saw a vision, I saw a team that is ambitious, they (Hardrock) want to grow,” Dube said.
The striker says his return home has given him something he had been missing during his years away, the comfort of being close to family, friends and familiar surroundings.
With Hardrock still competing on several fronts, Dube believes the club has plenty to look forward to this season. The Kasongo Boys remain in the race for the league title, are still alive in the Chibuku Super Cup and will face Jordan in a ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash at Luveve on Sunday.
Just three points separate Hardrock from leaders Scottland with seven league matches remaining, leaving the possibility of a remarkable treble still within reach.
For Dube, however, the simple pleasure of being back home has been equally rewarding.
“I am feeling at home. I also felt like I needed just to be back home, close to my people, talking my own language, close to my family, my kids. It’s nice, especially here at Chahwanda, to be honest the fans, the environment at the stadium when we are playing, you can feel at home,” said Dube.
His latest chapter comes after an eventful career that has taken him across Southern and East Africa.
Dube first left Highlanders for South African side SuperSport United in 2017. At the time, he was regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest young talents, but breaking into the first team proved far more difficult than anticipated.
Competing against experienced internationals and some of South Africa’s best young players, opportunities were hard to come by.
“I remember at SuperSport United I was competing with the likes of Bradley Grobler, Jeremy Brockie (of New Zealand) and Kingston Nkhatha. They also had youngsters like Sipho Mbule, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, who were playing that time, so I didn’t get a chance. So, yeah, it was a difficult time, but that’s how we learn in life,” revealed Dube.
Rather than allowing that setback to define him, Dube returned to Highlanders in 2019 and revived his career. His impressive performances earned him a move to Tanzanian side Azam before he eventually joined Young Africans, one of the biggest clubs on the continent.
In Tanzania, Dube enjoyed some of the finest moments of his career. He helped Young Africans win the 2025 Tanzanian Premier League title and also tested himself against some of Africa’s elite clubs in the CAF Champions League.
The experience gave him a first-hand look at the standards required to compete at the highest level.
“Playing in the CAF Champions League is a good experience, especially when you play those teams from Araba countries. You can that the level is different, even the fans and the atmosphere.”
His achievements did not stop there.
Dube also realised a lifelong dream when he represented Zimbabwe at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, another milestone in a career that has been built on resilience, patience and determination.
Looking back on a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, the striker remains grateful for every step that brought him to where he is today.
“It’s all about belief and we thank the Almighty!” said Dube.
Today, that belief is helping drive Hardrock’s push for silverware, with Dube hoping that the experience gained from years of overcoming obstacles can inspire his team to achieve something special.
