By Lewis Kuchineyi
Hardrock completed their fairy-tale season in spectacular fashion on Sunday, edging Dulibadzimu 2–1 away from home to clinch the Central Region Division One title and secure promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The dramatic victory capped off a remarkable, record-breaking campaign that saw Hardrock earn back-to-back promotions, rising from Division Two last year to booking their place in the 2026 PSL in what was their maiden season in Division One.
Dulibadzimu started brightly, showing attacking intent as early as the 2nd minute, forcing Hardrock’s defence to react quickly and clear the early danger.
Hardrock responded in the 6th minute when veteran striker Donald Ngoma tested the hosts with a teasing low drive that flashed across the face of goal.
But it was Dulibadzimu who struck first. In the 10th minute, Messi Gushero pounced on a loose ball just outside the box and unleashed a powerful strike that beat the goalkeeper, sending the home fans into a frenzy as the hosts took a 1–0 lead.
Refusing to be rattled, Hardrock pushed forward with purpose. At 19 minutes, Tinashe Mashaireni let fly from distance, only for the Dulibadzimu defence to block the effort. The hosts nearly doubled their lead in the 24th minute with a dangerous cross into the area, but Hardrock’s defenders did just enough to guide it out for a corner.
The visitors almost equalised on the half-hour mark when Ismael Mack delivered a precise cross into the danger zone, though Dulibadzimu’s centre-backs reacted quickly to clear.
Gushero, lively throughout the first half, threatened again in the 33rd minute with another shot, but Hardrock’s back line remained resolute.
The deserved breakthrough for Hardrock finally came in the 36th minute. A long-range free kick from Dube, launched from near the centre line, curled beautifully into the penalty area.
Donald Ngoma, rose high, towering above the defence to nod home the equaliser and silence the home crowd.
Hardrock continued pressing after the break. In the 61st minute, Ngoma embarked on a brilliant solo run, slicing through defenders before squaring a low cross across the goalmouth, only to find no teammate available to convert.
A golden chance came in the 70th minute from a free kick just outside the box, Benedict Sithole connected with a strong header, but his effort drifted narrowly over the bar, much to Dulibadzimu’s relief.
Seeking reinforcements, Hardrock introduced Johannes Sibanda in the 72nd minute, replacing Mashaireni in an attacking tactical shift. Dulibadzimu responded in the 77th minute, bringing on Nzvere for Dzobore.
The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute. A loose ball fell kindly inside the Dulibadzimu box, and substitute Sibanda reacted quickest, firing a clinical, composed strike into the net to give Hardrock a crucial 2–1 lead.
When the referee finally blew for full-time, Hardrock’s players, technical team, and officials flooded the pitch in scenes of pure jubilation.
The 2–1 victory was a fitting finale to a season defined by resilience, tactical discipline, and flashes of brilliance.
With the promotion into the Premier Soccer League, Hardrock steps onto the national stage with momentum, seeking to rewrite history once again.
