Hardrock sign two foreign player
By Tongai Mashonga
AMBITIOUS Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) debutants Hardrock FC, have secured the services of two foreign players.
Prolific striker Mathew Abel Obinna from Nigeria and talented goalkeeper Mathius Kigonya from Uganda, sealed their move to join Hardrock FC last week, a move that will shake up the CRSL.
Both players previously plied their trade with Yadah FC in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) last season, where they impressed with their skills and work ethic.
Obinna known for his lightning- fast speed and clinical finish is expected to bring a new dimension to Hardrock’s attack. The Nigerian striker will face stiff competition from Donald Ngoma, James Kaunda, Cleopas Dube, Wilfred Cox and Newman Sianchali for the team’s first eleven attacking options.
Kigonya, a former Uganda national team goalkeeper and a towering figure between the posts, boasts impressive shot- stopping abilities and exceptional distribution. His experience with Uganda national team and in the PSL will serve him well in the CRSL. Kigonya will battle it out with former Hwange and ZPC Kariba goalkeeper for the first choice jersey.
Hardrock’s coaching staff and management are ecstatic about the arrival of the foreign duo, believing that their presence will significantly strengthen the team’s chances of gaining promotion to the PSL.
With the arrival of these two, Hardrock FC is poised to make a strong statement of intent in the CRSL this season and it remains to be seen if the duo will inspire the team to glory. Both players featured in Hardrock FC practise match with Marondera based Hunters FC coached by John Nyikadzino.
The match played at Heart Stadium in Harare ended one-all, Kigonya was between the posts and Obinna came in as a second half substitute.
Hardrock FC started their pre-season preparations early in January and have been busy on the market trying to assemble a formidable side to challenge for the league title.
The Calvin Maphosa, coached side have acquired the services of seasoned former PSL players namely Devon Chafa, Donald Ngoma, Takabva Mawaya, Lennox Mucheto, Prosper Ngoni Kafelapanjila, Rodwell Mhlanga, Rueben Machaya, Tafadzwa Jabangwe, Newman Sianchali, Justin Kaunda, Cleopas Dube and Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye.
However the ambitious club recently loaned out some of the players.
The CRSL kicks off on 5 and 6 April and Hardrock have a tricky opening encounter against a resilient ZRP Gwanda at Phelandaba Stadium. From Gwanda they lock horns in a fierce Kwekwe derby against Tongogara at Baghdad Stadium.
