The winds of change are blowing in Kwekwe, and the team appears poised to rise like a phoenix following the appointment of Tendai Chikuni as head coach.
For the first time in a year, the air around Kwekwe is thick with genuine expectation rather than cautious hope. As the 2026 Central Region Soccer League builds up, Kwekwe United find themselves in a position few predicted: existing and financially stable.
As first reported by FanZone, Kwekwe United have received a shot in the arm from Betterbrands. Coaching changes have already been put in place, with technical director Jairos Tapera roping in season campaigner, Chikuni.
Chikuni, formerly with Shabanie Mine, Chapungu, and TelOne, spent last season at GMB-owned club Grain Tigers. The soft-spoken coach is one of the few coaches that have carved a niche in the Central region, having helped at least two teams gain promotion.
He led Shabanie Mine to PSL promotion in 2016. He also helped TelOne regain their place in the league in 2023 before being replaced by Herbert Maruwa after struggling to keep the team winning in the 2024 PSL season.
Kwekwe United are hoping he will help them turn a fresh page as their first PSL season was a disaster. They spent most of the season at the bottom of the table, finishing with a record-low 10 points from 34 matches (1 win, 7 draws, 26 losses).
Their financial struggles saw them struggle to fulfill fixtures, leading to the loss of key players and coaches. First, Saul Chaminuka left for Dynamos FC, Paul Chimalizeni left for Agama FC after just 3 games, and Masimba Dinyero finished the season as their third coach.
It remains to be seen if the former Ngezi Platinum Stars assistant Chikuni lasts the distance at the Kwekwe-based side. He will preside over trials scheduled for Saturday, 31 January.
