The PSL has been craving a goal-scoring sensation, and rising star Wilfred Madzungu might just be the man to fill that void.
The last time a striker reached the 20-goal mark in the league was way back in 2010, when the late Norman Maroto netted 22 times for the now defunct, Gunners FC. Since then, strikers have come and gone, failing to reach that elusive milestone.
Most recently, Lynoth Chikuhwa, formerly with Highlanders, Scottland FC and Hardrock FC-bound Washington Navaya reached the 17-goal mark. But the 2026 season promises to be different, as one Madzungu enters the fray.
Madzungu, formerly of Sheasham FC, is set to make his PSL debut with Hardrock FC, and the expectations are already sky-high. Madzungu was recently unveiled along with several other seasoned PSL players, including midfielders Donald Mudadi and Munashe Bamara, goalkeepere Martin Mapisa and Tonderai Mateyaunga as Kelvin Kaindu assembles a team strong enough to at least match the level of investment by owner Shepherd Chahwanda.
The club had been tracking Madzungu since his impressive performances in the Central Region Soccer League, where he was ‘banging goals for fun’.
With a track record of 25 goals in one season, including four hat-tricks, in the Central Region Soccer League, Madzungu is poised to shake up the PSL. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Hardrock FC is excited to have him on board.
Crowned the Central Region Soccer League Player of the Season and Top Goalscorer, the 24-year-old is in a bullish mood ahead of the 2025 season, where Hardrock FC face defending champions Scottland on Matchday One.
“I’m not just looking at playing in PSL, I’m looking beyond that. I want to keep soaring, keep developing as a player, and make a mark in the top-flight league and for Zimbabwe as a whole,” Madzungu said.
“I’ve got the skills, the drive, and the passion to take my game to the next level, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”
Meanwhile, Madzungu was the only lower-division player named in the Africa Cup of Nations provisional squad. Though he did not make it to the tournament, it was a lifetime opportunity.
And with Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya joining, they will have one of the deadliest strike-forces in the league, pairing Navaya’s experience with Madzungu’s hunger for goals.
In addition, they also signed highly-rated Zambian centre-forward Andrew Phiri from Tanzanian side Singida FC. Phiri’s time at Singida Stars was not the most fruitful, with only two CAF Confederations Cup appearances under his belt, according to Transfermarkt.
In addition, he has managed to earn four caps for the Zambian national team. The 24-year-old Phiri, previously targeted by South African giants Orlando Pirates, boasts an impressive record of 33 league goals in two and a half seasons in Zambia when he was in the books of Maestro United.
