Hardrock FC’s hopes of securing promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) next season are under threat following serious allegations that the Kwekwe-based side fielded a player using a fake identity.
The club, currently chasing leaders Sheasham by five points, is accused of playing former Dulibadzimu United defender Ephany Gwawawa under a new name and falsified age details.
According to documents seen by Zimpapers Sport, Gwawawa — whose Dulibadzimu registration lists him as born in Seke on July 6, 2001 — allegedly resurfaced at Hardrock FC as “Tanyaradzwa Godfrey Tsiga,” with a date of birth listed as August 15, 2007, allowing him to qualify as an under-20 developmental player.
The alleged identity switch came to light after ZRP Gwanda lodged a formal complaint with the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) following their 3–0 defeat to Hardrock at Baghdad Stadium on August 9.
In their complaint, ZRP Gwanda accused Hardrock of fielding a player “known to be registered with Dulibadzimu United FC” under a false identity.
“The player featured in our match against Hardrock FC at Baghdad Stadium on 09/08/25,” read part of the letter.
“He was listed as Tanyaradzwa Tsiga (Registration ID: 010989M07) and played the entire match at left-back wearing jersey number 12.”
Preliminary investigations by ZRP Gwanda allege that Gwawawa is officially contracted to Dynamos FC and was loaned to Dulibadzimu United for the 2025 season before moving to Hardrock midway through the campaign — this time using “completely different registration details.”
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the CRSL has not yet issued a ruling more than a month after the complaint was filed.
When contacted for comment, CRSL administrator Gift Nyapomwe confirmed receipt of the complaint but declined to discuss details.
“Yes, we received the report from ZRP Gwanda and we are conducting investigations,” Nyapomwe said.
“If necessary, the matter will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.”
The controversy now casts a shadow over Hardrock’s promotion ambitions, with the club potentially facing sanctions if found guilty of breaching player registration regulations.
