mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
TELONE striker Washington Navaya’s impressive start to the 2025 PSL season — seven goals in seven matches — has got everyone wondering: could he be the first since Moses Chunga to bag over 30 goals, or at least equal the late Norman Maroto’s legendary 22? Fans and pundits are certainly buzzing about his sensational form and whether he’ll smash records this year.
Maroto was the last to bag over 20 league goals in the past decade, hitting 22 for Gunners back in 2010 — a near mythical milestone since no one’s surpassed it. Nelson Mazivisa (18 in 2012) and Tendai Ndoro (18 in 2013) came close, as did CAPS United’s Dominic Chungwa (17 in 2018).
More recently, CAPS United’s William Manondo (17 goals in 2021-22) and Lynoth Chikuhwa (17 last season) fell short of Zenzo Moyo’s 22 for Highlanders in 2000, a still-standing record. Alois Bunjira’s incredible 23 goals in half-a-season for CAPS United in 1996 boasts a legendary goal-per-game ratio, considered by many the benchmark for striking prowess in Zimbabwean football.
Navaya’s current form — seven goals in seven — suggests he could join that elite group. His consistent scoring has also lifted TelOne, nicknamed the WiFi Boys, into the top half of the table. Currently fifth with 11 points, they’re just ahead of seventh-placed Highlanders, whom they face this afternoon.
Navaya’s impressive form hasn’t gone unnoticed; recently crowned PSL and FUZ March Player of the Month, his awkward 1,81m frame is proving a handful for defenders. Could he be the lethal striker the country’s been after?
Speaking ahead of today’s clash with TelOne, Highlanders head coach Kelvin Kaindu acknowledged the Navaya threat.
“He has been in top form and he is enjoying his game, scoring in almost every match. But I believe our defence has what it takes to stop him,” said Kaindu.
Navaya initially joined TelOne for their 2019 top-flight debut, then moved to Highlanders after relegation, but has returned as their key striker following TelOne’s Premiership return. He leads the scorers’ chart, ahead of Simba Bhora’s Isak Guribab (four) and several with three.
To see how rare 20-plus goals is, consider that Zambian Chewe Mulenga’s 24 for Railstars in 2000 is the post-millennium record. Even Clive Augusto’s promising 14 for Chicken Inn in 2019, before leaving mid-season (still winning him the Golden Boot), wasn’t beaten. Recent top scorers like Takunda Benhura (13 in 2023) and Manondo (17 in 2022, highest post-Covid) highlight the scarcity of high-scoring seasons.
The ultimate benchmark remains Warriors and Dynamos legend Moses Chunga, whose incredible 30 league goals and 16 cup goals in 1986 is still the post-independence record. That year, he rightly won Soccer Star of the Year, bagging ten doubles and three hat-tricks.
Fixtures
Today: TelOne v Highlanders (Ascot Stadium), Bikita Minerals v Ngezi Platinum (Gibbo Stadium), Yadah v CAPS United (Rufaro Stadium), FC Platinum v Triangle (Mandava Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Scottland (Nyamhunga), Simba Bhora v MWOS, Manica Diamonds v Chicken Inn (Sakubva Stadium).
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Kwekwe United (Rufaro Stadium).
Don’t miss the live action today on ZTN Prime (DStv Channel 294), the cameras turn to Rufaro Stadium where Yadah take on CAPS United. Coverage begins at 2:30PM.
Online Reporter