By Tapiwa Chawagarira
HARDROCK FC’s impressive August campaign was rewarded with a clean sweep of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League monthly individual awards, as coach Kelvin Kaindu and striker Prince Dube walked away with the Coach and Player of the Month accolades, respectively.
The awards capped a remarkable month for the Kwekwe-based outfit, which has emerged as a serious contender in its maiden Premier Soccer League campaign and remains firmly in the championship race.
Kaindu’s recognition is further testament to the impact he has made since taking charge of Hardrock. The Zambian coach previously won the PSL Coach of the Month award for April after guiding the newly promoted side through an unbeaten run of three wins and two draws. The monthly awards are determined by a panel comprising football experts, journalists, and PSL officials, based on performances in league matches during the month under review.
The coach has maintained Hardrock’s competitive edge as the club continues to challenge defending champions Scottland at the top of the table. By late August, the title race had become a two-horse battle between Scottland and Hardrock, with the latter staying within touching distance of the leaders.
Meanwhile, Dube has quickly established himself as an influential figure in Hardrock’s attack since joining the club in July following a successful spell in Tanzania. The Zimbabwe international was signed after helping his Tanzanian side achieve league glory, bringing considerable experience and firepower to Kaindu’s squad.
The former Highlanders and Warriors striker wasted little time in making an impact, scoring his second league goal for Hardrock in a 2-0 victory over Agama in July.
His importance to the title challenge was underlined again in August when he scored a decisive stoppage-time goal against FC Hunters, a result that kept Hardrock three points behind Scottland with seven matches remaining.
Dube’s late winner also highlighted his growing influence in pressure situations, while Kaindu has repeatedly stressed the need for his players to remain composed as the title race enters its crucial phase.
The recognition of both coach and player provides another boost for Hardrock as the club chases what would be a remarkable achievement in its first season in the top flight.
With Kaindu providing tactical direction and Dube leading the attack, Hardrock hopes their August success can translate into a strong finish to the campaign — and potentially a historic Premier Soccer League title.
