Justin Kaunda possesses a rare charm for promotion. Just a year after leading ZPC Hwange (now Megawatt) into the Premier Soccer League, the franchise was sold. Undeterred, Kaunda was snapped up by ambitious Midlands side Hardrock FC, where he promptly worked his magic again, securing another promotion for his new team.
Hailing from Hwange, the versatile forward is a modern-day attacker who can terrorise defenders on the wing, lead the line as the central striker, or cleverly feed off the main frontman. With a proven track record of being a talisman for rising clubs, OnSport Magazine (OM) caught up with Justin Kaunda (JK) to discuss his journey, his mindset, and what drives this serial winner.
OM: Justin, thank you for your time. Let’s start with your roots. Tell us about where you’re from.
JK: I was born on the 20th of December 1990. I grew up in the streets of Hwange. I did my primary level at St. Ignatius Primary School and went on to Hwange Government High, where I did my O-Levels.
OM: When did you realise you had a talent for football?
JK: Just like any other kid growing up, we used to play for fun on the streets. It was in those fun moments, that I realised I actually loved soccer, and I decided to pursue it.
OM: Who helped nurture that early talent?
JK: At the grassroots level, it was the late coach, also a teacher, Sakala King Ntambi at Rufaro FC. He was the one who gave me a tiresome time as he nurtured me! He made sure I grasped all the basic drills in soccer so that I could become a better player. His discipline was fundamental.
OM: Who inspired you to pursue football professionally?
JK: I was particularly drawn to Barcelona a d Poland forward Robert Lewandowski. I always hoped to reach his level, and hence I’m still pursuing my career with that drive.
OM: Walk us through your career path—it’s been a long and decorated journey.
JK: I started playing for Rufaro FC in 2006, then moved to Hwange Juniors FC in 2010. I went on to play for Z.P.C Hwange in 2014, and later for the Hwange senior team in 2016. In 2018, I played for Bulawayo City, then Makomo in 2019. Later, after COVID, I went back home to play for Z.P.C Hwange until we were crowned the 2024 Southern Region Champions. We then went on to win the league and Champions of Champions tournament and were crowned the “Kings of Champions” in Gweru.
OM: With so many highs, what has been the single most memorable moment?
JK: The most memorable moment was when I was playing for Rufaro in Division Two. I scored a goal that earned us promotion into Division One, and we were champions. That goal also ensured I became the league’s second-top goal scorer that season. That early taste of winning and promotion was special.
OM: I believe you’ve also faced a significant setback in your career.
JK: Yes, my biggest setback was when I got injured while playing for Hardrock FC this year. The injury sidelined me for almost half a season. But with God’s grace and hard work, I managed to bounce back in the second half of the season, fit and ready. I helped the team, and we were ultimately crowned the 2025 Central Region Champions.
OM: What achievements are you most proud of?
JK: Being a champion twice, being a top goal scorer, being featured in the Southern Region Calendar for the year 2024, and also being my team’s top goal scorer that same year. These two years have been amazing for me.
OM: Who are your football role models?
JK: Locally, Carrington Gomba is my role model. Internationally, it’s Robert Lewandowski.
OM: And the team you support?
JK: I’m a Manchester City fan.
OM: What does a typical day look like for you during the season?
JK: Waking up, preparing for training, coming back home to relax, watching Netflix, and waiting for the next day.
OM: How do you unwind away from football?
JK: Outside soccer, I’m one person who likes listening to music, especially Reggae music, as it helps me unwind and meditate. I listen to Peter Tosh, Gregory Isaacs, and a little bit of UB40.
OM: What’s your favorite meal to refuel?
JK: My favorite food is pork bones, noodles, rice, and fish.
OM: We hear you have a nickname, Tata. What’s the story there?
JK: (Laughs) A lot of people call me Tata. They believe my style of play, at times, is that of an older, wiser person.
OM: What is your core motivation when times get hard?
JK: The main aim for me playing soccer is to live a better life and ensure that my family is well catered for. So at hard times, I push extra hard to achieve that goal.
OM: How would you describe your personal philosophy?
JK: I’m a person who’s quite quiet but through football I have made a lot of friends and learnt communication skills. Although I am an introvert, the desire to win pushes me to be outspoken.
OM: What is the ultimate dream you’re still chasing?
JK: My ultimate dream is to go play abroad and get national team caps.
OM: If football hadn’t called, what would you be doing?
JK: I would be pursuing my academics fully.
OM: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
JK: The best advice came from my former coach, Mebelo Njekwa: “No matter what life throws at you, you have to soldier on and make sure you achieve your goal.”
OM: Finally, what’s your advice for young players?
JK: The advice is to never give up because nothing comes easy. Hence, one has to always work hard to achieve their goals. Be you, do you, for you. God bless all the soccer players out there.