LOBAMBA– Eswatini now leads Hardrock’s foreign signings after two more Nsingizini Hotspurs stars joined, taking the contingent to four.
Former Nsingizini Hotspurs sensations Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo were unveiled by the Castle Premier Soccer League side last Friday through the club’s official channels. Their arrival takes Hardrock’s Eswatini tally to four, joining Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane and Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini.
That gives Eswatini the largest share of Hardrock’s foreign quota. Zambia has one representative at the club in former FC Muza forward Andrew Phiri.
Hardrock rank among Zimbabwe’s wealthiest top-flight clubs. In March, flamboyant businessman and owner Sheppard Chahwanda made headlines after commissioning a Confederation of African Football (CAF)-approved stadium bearing his name in Kwekwe for the team.
Eswatini’s presence in Zimbabwe’s elite league extends beyond Kwekwe. Former Insingizi Yezulu versatile left-back Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala now lines out for Scottland, while Agama’s Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso also plies his trade in the country.
The influx comes after Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League raised the foreign-player cap. According to Bulawayo News 24, the PSL increased the maximum number of foreign players a club may register from five to eight ahead of the 2026 season. The change was approved in February.
Previously, fewer than 20 foreign players were registered for the 2025 campaign, with clubs limited to five. The growing pool of expatriate talent prompted a review, with clubs arguing the adjustment would raise competitiveness. Dynamos, FC Platinum and Chicken Inn were reported to have led calls for the amendment.
Under the new resolution, clubs may register up to eight foreign players per season, even if players registered earlier are de-registered during the campaign.
Thubelihle Mavuso and Midfielder Yekisizwe Khumalo (R).