Hardrock FC assistant coach Rutherford Matondo is aiming to elevate his coaching credentials by attaining a CAF B Licence in early 2026, following a game changing CAF C refresher course recently held in Harare.
Matondo, widely known for his free flowing, passing style of play, said the refresher course gave him both inspiration and direction for his next move in coaching.
“After the refresher course, I decided to go for my CAF B licence. It made me realise the importance of aligning myself with modern trends in football. We were given the opportunity to coach top tier Premier Soccer League teams like Scottland, MWOS, and Yadah FC. That exposure gave me clarity and motivation,” he said.
Matondo also revealed that his long term goal is to acquire a CAF A licence a milestone that would position him for top flight football responsibilities.
“After CAF B, I will pursue CAF A so that I fully equip myself and become ready to take charge of teams in the top flight leagues,” said Matondo.
The soft spoken tactician has carved a name for himself in Zimbabwe’s lower leagues. As assistant to Tendai Chikuni, Matondo helped Telone FC earn promotion to the Premier Soccer League. At ZPC Munyathi FC, he implemented his signature passing game, guiding the team to two successive second and third place CRSL finishes behind Sheasham FC and HwaHwa FC.
As ZPC Munyathi’s folded in 2023, he shifted to the Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) with Destiny FC in 2024 before returning to the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) in 2025. There, he built a feared Dulibadzimu United side, particulary strong at home in Beitbridge and resilient in away games.
It was his tactical brilliance that caught the eye of Hardrock FC during the mid- season break. Since joining the title chasing miners, he has helped transform their game into an entertaining, attack minded brand of football, with the Kasongo Boys fans now chanting “Famba Hardi!”
As the title race heats up, Matondo’s evolving coaching philosophy and renewed ambition could be the X-factor Hardrock needs to cross the finish line in first place
