SOCCER – Mbabane Swallows captain Philiso Newman is currently undergoing a two-week assessment with Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League side Hard Rock FC, a move that could see the highly rated defender take the next step in his career outside Eswatini.
Newman travelled to Zimbabwe shortly after Swallows’ recent MTN Premier League 1-2 defeat to Tabankulu Celtics and has already linked up with the Kwekwe-based outfit.
If the move is finalised, Newman will reunite with familiar faces at Hard Rock, including former Nsingizini Hotspurs captain Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini and speedy forward Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane. Both players are already part of the Hard Rock squad and were key figures during their time at Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Newman joined Mbabane Swallows in 2023 from Ludzeludze Killers and has since established himself as one of the club’s most dependable performers.
His steady rise saw him handed the captain’s armband at just 22, with his leadership and consistency attracting attention beyond the local league.
Should the assessment result in a permanent deal, Newman would become the fourth Liswati to join a Zimbabwean side.
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His former Swallows teammate Kwakhe Thwala has also recently moved north, having signed for Scottland FC. The potential move raises the prospect of an early-season reunion, with Hard Rock and Scottland FC expected to face each other in the Zimbabwean season opener.
The new Zimbabwean Premier League rookies have emerged as one of the country’s most ambitious clubs in recent years, making significant strides towards cementing their status in Zimbabwean football.
The club is owned by businessman Shepherd Chahwanda and is currently developing its own 15 000-seater facility, Chahwanda Stadium, as part of its long-term growth plans. Ahead of the 2026 season, the club also appointed experienced coach Kelvin Kaindu as head coach.
Mbabane Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya confirmed Newman’s assessment in Zimbabwe, saying the club was fully aware of the move.
“It is true that Philiso Newman is in Zimbabwe, where he is doing his assessment with Hard Rock FC,” Ngwenya said.
He added that the club had wished the player well as he pursued opportunities beyond the country’s borders.
“We wish him all the best and urge him to believe in himself. My advice to him is to continue working hard so that he can open more opportunities for international exposure,” he said.
