Hardrock, Sheasham Dominate ZIFA CRSL 2025 Soccer Stars List

By Delicious Mathuthu

Gweru - Hardrock and Sheasham Football Clubs players dominated the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) soccer stars of the year 2025 list, contributing four and three players, respectively, of the 11.

On Saturday, November 22, coaches and journalists from the region converged in Gweru to honour outstanding men who made the league unforgettable, unveiling a star-studded 11.

Though several players from across the region made significant contributions to their respective clubs, only 11 could be recognised.

Hardrocks' Matthias Kigonya (pictured), Munyaradzi Diro-Nyenye, Benedict Sithole and Donald Ngoma made it to the 2025 CRSL first 11.

Sheasham FC, who finished second despite dominating the first half of the season, were not far behind contributing three players of the 11.

Wilfred Madzungu, one of the favourites for the CRSL soccer star of the year to be announced before year end, alongside David Mangezi and Elton Sibanda made it to the list for the Gweru side.

Other players include Gwanda Pirates' Mbonisi Ncube, Chapungu's Sausani Mudimba, Jame West's Qhubekani Zondo and Tongogara's Peace Mwanza.

The Kwekwe based side, Hardrock FC players were vocal in the club's promotion to the Premier Soccer League, sealing the championship with a 2-0 win over Midlands State University on November 8.

The 16-team CRSL served up relentless entertainment throughout the season, some more outrageous like Hardrock’s 13-0 demolition of Gokwe North in October.

For months, Sheasham looked untouchable, unbeaten through the first half and sitting pretty at the summit and by July, their experienced core threatened to run away with the title.

Then came September’s seismic twist where Hardrock stunned Sheasham 1-0 in a derby that probably changed fortunes for the Gweru side.

After the victory, Hardrock owner, Shepherd “Magodora” Chahwanda immediately gave his players a US$16,000 bonus.

From there on, Hardrock never looked back, dropping just one match in their final ten, finishing on 88 points, six points clear of a heartbroken Sheasham, who stumbled with a costly draw against West Nicholson.

The region also had its fair share of drama after Sheasham momentarily quit the competition after losing to Midlands State University, citing favouritism and corruption, lashed out at stakeholders before returning to the league after the intervention of the football mother body, ZIFA.

Hardrock will join other newly-promoted sides in the 2026 PSL season, which include FC Hunters, Agama FC and Bulawayo Chiefs.