Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
THE storm around Hardrock FC’s mystery man is about to break wide open. Former Central Region Soccer League ace Ephany Gwawawa, now going by the name Tanyaradzwa Godfrey Tsiga, is set to appear before his club’s disciplinary committee this weekend over allegations of identity fraud.
Tsiga, who made a surprise switch to Hardrock during the second transfer window, featured in a 3–0 victory over ZRP Gwanda at Baghdad Stadium in August. However, opponents noticed something odd. The same player had turned out for Dilibadzimu in the first half of the season under his old name, Gwawawa.
Central Region chairman Patrick Hill confirmed the much-awaited showdown, saying: “The case is going for a hearing this weekend.”
The hearing is expected to determine whether Tsiga — or Gwawawa — illegally registered under two names to play for two clubs in one season, a move that could have massive implications for Hardrock’s promotion ambitions.
Meanwhile, Hill moved to calm rising tensions after reports surfaced that some teams were buying kits for rivals, potentially influencing the title race.
“The Region does not control any company’s corporate social responsibility programme,” he said. “If the kits were sponsored by Hardrock, we would intervene, but there is no team called GMI in our league.”
It is widely believed GMI owns Hardrock, who are locked in a fierce battle for promotion.
The controversy deepened when Sheasham, one of Hardrock’s main challengers, sensationally pulled out of the Central Region League over the weekend, alleging “unfair play” in league administration.
Hill said Sheasham’s withdrawal was not discussed by the executive committee, though he maintained that all clubs were treated equally.
“All 18 teams in the Region are equal in the face of the League,” he said. “We remain open to dialogue because football must be the winner.”
As the weekend hearing looms, all eyes are on Gweru — where Hardrock’s fate, and that of their double-name star, hangs in the balance.
Bongani Ndlovu