By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, has commended the Chawanda Group of Companies for spearheading the revival of top-flight football in Kwekwe following Hardrock Football Club’s promotion to the Premier Soccer League after clinching the ZIFA Central Region Division One championship.
Addressing guests at the 2025 Hardrock FC Soccer Awards in Kwekwe, Ncube said the company’s investment in football had restored hope and excitement in a city that once boasted competitive teams but had gone for years without elite football.
“For decades we had not witnessed anything. We used to know soccer when there was Risco, Rhomet, Mbizo United and Lancashire Steel. So we would like to thank the Chawandas for the creation of this team and for winning Division 1,” Ncube said.
He described Hardrock FC’s rapid rise as evidence of the Chawanda Group’s commitment to community development and sports excellence, noting that their efforts had brought back a strong football identity to Kwekwe.
Ncube also highlighted the upcoming official opening of Chawanda Stadium early next year, saying the facility will be a major milestone for both Kwekwe and the Midlands Province and will further consolidate the city’s return to top-flight football.
The Minister urged players to maintain professionalism by avoiding drug and substance abuse, warning that indiscipline undermines both sporting careers and national progress.
“We cannot have team players who are always sloshed. Drug and substance abuse destroys your life and the future of the country,” he said.
Ncube congratulated Hardrock FC for its achievements and praised the club for celebrating outstanding players, saying such recognition helps strengthen football development in the community.
Speaking at the same event the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Charles Chahwanda paid an emotional tribute to his brother, Shepherd Chahwanda, crediting him for playing a central role in the club’s rise to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the broader revival of competitive football in Kwekwe.
He said the club’s journey from a small social team founded in 2019 to Central Region Division One champions had required resilience, sacrifice and strong community support.
“It wasn’t an easy task. It was very difficult and we never thought one day we would compete among the greatest in the country. But we persevered, and here we are,” he said.
Chahwanda described his brother Shepherd as a driving force behind the project, praising his passion and consistency in building the team from the ground up.
“He is one of those people who actually pulled us through. As long as he declares that he wants to achieve something, he doesn’t let go. He is very unassuming, but he has always been dependable. We thank him very much for bringing light into the town of Kwekwe,” he said, inviting Shepherd to stand as the audience applauded.
The CEO also acknowledged the presence of former players among them, Esrom Nyandoro, Benjani Mwaruwaru, Harrington Shereni, Eric Chipeta and Gift Muzadzi whom he referred to as club legends, saying their continued involvement brought inspiration to the younger generation.
“Your presence here inspires a lot of youngsters. Soccer has played a very significant role in uniting the people of Zimbabwe, and whoever supports football supports unity,” he said.
Chahwanda reserved special appreciation for the current squad and technical team, noting that their effort throughout a demanding season had made Hardrock’s promotion possible.
“You are the people who made this moment possible. You endured injuries, loss of form and tough moments, but your perseverance saw us crowned Central Region champions,” he said.
He added that the club’s formation was motivated by a desire to fill a football void in Kwekwe after years in which the city had no top-flight representation.
“Kwekwe is a football city. For many years, people here enjoyed good football, but at some point we had a dark period. We decided to play our part and bring back those days of glory,” he said.
Chahwanda also expressed gratitude to the club’s supporters, many of whom travelled around the region to back the team.
“Please carry this message home: we are indeed grateful for the supporters who have stood with Hardrock Football Club through and through,” he said.
Hardrock FC’s promotion marks the return of Premier Soccer League action to Kwekwe, reviving the city’s long-standing football culture.
