Hardrock DC 0-1
Chicken Inn FC 0-0
KWEKWE – Ambitious Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debutants Hardrock Football Club registered their second consecutive victory—and their first win at their beloved Chahwanda Stadium—in a thrilling mid-week encounter.
Kwekwe-born wonderkid and 2025 Central Region Soccer Star of the Year, Wilfred Madzungu, rose from the bench to score the decisive goal in the second half.
Madzungu replaced Simon Makawa at halftime and, within seven minutes, produced the magic everyone was waiting for—a goal at Chahwanda that secured a home win. The much-awaited goal sent Chahwanda Stadium into a frenzy.
Chicken Inn could have taken the lead in the first half, but failed to capitalise on several clear-cut chances. Innocent Masiwa and Rahim Katinji squandered a golden opportunity, failing to score despite facing an open net.
Chicken Inn will rue a glorious missed chance in the third minute—a chance easier to score than to miss—with Innocent Masiwa and Rahim Katinji failing to convert while Mateyaunga lay on the ground.
The Gamecocks dominated the early stages of the match, controlling the midfield through Vassilli Kawe while Masiwa got the better of Marshall Gavaza on the left channel. They set the tone for a resolute performance and could have wrapped up the game in the first half.
Nigel Matinha, given his first start at Hardrock, elevated the team’s play with his fancy footwork and quick passes. Munashe Bamara worked tirelessly, spreading passes from the middle of the park. The Gamecocks produced a solid first-half performance, but the home side picked up pace as they geared up for the second half.
After the break, Hardrock returned as a rejuvenated side, firing on all cylinders. With Madzungu on the right, Matinha on the left, and Navaya hustling at the centre, they opened gaps in the disciplined defence of the visitors.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu praised his team for a solid second-half performance.
“I appreciate the resilience we showed. Chicken Inn were very strong in the first half. We started a bit jittery, but in the second half, we came back as a much-improved side. We showed our desire to play better in terms of ball possession, circulation, and going forward,” he said.
“The fixture congestion is making it difficult for us. We will try to manage the games. I think the players are adapting to my philosophy—it’s a new side, and it will take time to achieve cohesion.
Tonderayi Ndirayi blamed his experienced defence for conceding a soft goal.
“It was a good and tough match. I thought we lost the game in the first half—we had so many clear-cut chances to score but couldn’t capitalise. We knew we would be affected physically towards the end of the second half; our legs were tired. But basically, I think we had a very good chance of winning the game in the first half.
“We conceded from a cross, which I thought was easy to defend considering the experience we have in our defense. It was a soft goal. We tried to push forward and create chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t succeed—Hardrock managed the game well. I give credit to my team; they fought hard. I can’t blame the fixture schedule—all teams are travelling, and we had time to prepare for the fixtures,” said Ndiraya.
