Kelvin Kaindu heaps praise on the silent Eswatini impact at Hardrock

Kelvin Kaindu has heaped praise on Hardrock’s imports, Sambulo Simelane and Neliswa Dlamini of Eswatini, and Andrew Phiri of Zambia, for their impact, saying they’re making a silent but significant contribution to the Kwekwe-based side.

Striker Simelane has been instrumental in Hardrock’s attacks, alongside Zambian import Phiri. The duo compete with Washington Navaya, the 2025 Soccer Star of the Year, and rising forward Wilfred Madzungu for a first-team spot.

Simelane has one goal, while Eswatini teammate “Tiger” Dlamini has been their outstanding midfield player at the club. The Eswatini duo and Phiri played a blinder as the Golden Boys thumped FC Hunters 6-1 at Chahwanda Stadium on Saturday.

Eswatini international Sambulo Simelane in action for Hardrock FC. Picture by Hardrock FC/Facebook

WE STILL DEMAND A LOT FROM THEM SAYS KAINDU

Phiri provided an assist, while Junior Makunike and Tinashe Mashaireni each notched a brace, and Navaya and Donald Mudadi scored a goal apiece. And coach Kaindu spoke for the first time about their impact at the Kwekwe-based side.

“It’s instrumental. It’s unfortunate that the other one didn’t score, but we’re seeing a lot of effort, especially in the second half. They came out a bit strong. Tiger’s always working like an alcoholic in the midfield. The two strikers are also helping us,” Kaindu said.

“In the second half, they looked much better than in the first half; they were a bit more forceful. But when you have foreign players, we demand more from them.

“If we have a local scoring two goals, that means we need more from them. But so far, so good. We can’t complain, but we expect them to do better than what they’re doing. They have been very impactful for us.”

Hardrock FC is indeed sitting pretty in second place in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, with 21 points from 10 matches, just a point behind leaders Caps United.

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