Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
THE mention of Washington Navaya, the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s leading goalscorer and 2025 Golden Boot winner, together with new arrival Prince Dube, is causing mayhem in the elite division.
Navaya has already found the back of the net 15 times, just two shy of his tally in 2025 when he was crowned top goalscorer and Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year.
His triumph was a landmark achievement for Midlands football, particularly in Gweru where he was stationed at TelOne.
For years, Gweru has had little to celebrate in football despite producing great players and memorable moments through clubs such as Go Beer Rovers, Gweru United and Chapungu.
Navaya moved to neighbouring Kwekwe at the end of last season, a deal many felt should not have materialised, with some arguing that South Africa would have been a better destination.
There were also doubts about whether he could replicate his form at Hardrock in Kwekwe, but the predatory striker has proved worthy every dollar spent by the gold miners.
Enter the second transfer window: Prince Dube arrives.
The former Inyathi rural star, who rose to prominence at Highlanders before moving to Tanzania, has been a revelation, scoring six goals since July for the club.
He has shown terrific form, and a strong finish is expected of him, with a tally in double figures alongside Navaya.
At Luveve Stadium on Sunday, Hardrock will face Jordan FC.
Jordan are a club dreaming of a brighter future. Reaching the final 16 of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup has been an adventure they have relished, and they have overnight become Insiza District’s pride.
Football is popular in the district despite few celebrated heroes, with former Highlanders and Gwanda Ramblers striker Jerry Sibanda, now at Bulawayo City, and former Hwange midfielder Boniface Nyongo among the most notable names, though neither reached their full potential.
Jordan trained at the match venue yesterday morning, and judging by the mood in camp, there is no fear of what lies ahead in the tournament’s next stage.
The players believe Hardrock could actually be the ones under pressure.
On Monday, Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted complacency could be his team’s biggest undoing.
Already Dynamos have fallen to Hwange, TelOne to Blanket Mine and Highlanders to Blackrock.
Upsets cannot be ruled out at this stage of the competition.
Speaking after training yesterday, Jordan’s players declared war on Hardrock, telling Navaya and Dube that there will not be any floodgates.
Tavonga Buda, the team’s 25-year-old captain, said they are relishing the Hardrock clash.
“We are coming for you Kasongo Boys,” declared Buda, who is often deployed as a defensive midfielder or centre-back and has the physique to match Navaya and Dube.
Tinashe Jimu, the club’s left-sided centre-back, added: “Eish we just looking forward to this big game to expose ourselves to be seen, it’s a very big game, Navaya and Prince Dube we are coming for you.”
Anxious Mutanda, outstanding as the last line of defence for the Filabusi side, is a dependable goalkeeper who commands his area well and distributes the ball superbly.
Mutanda is the reason the team has managed to remain among the top four clubs in the Zifa Southern Region Pacific Breeze League.
“We are telling Navaya that his 15 goals are enough, the goal is no go area, hokoyo!” he warned.
Striker Shemaya Mutonono, 19 years old and blessed with height, pace and a sharp eye for goal, is relishing the big stage Sunday’s match offers.
“Hokoyo Takwara, if you see Jersey 27 know that you are in trouble,” said the youngster ahead of what promises to be a bruising encounter with Warriors centre-back Gerald Takwara, who approaches every match as if it were his final trial.
Hardrock, who boast players from Eswatini alongside strong local talent, are firm favourites but may yet find the Filabusi lads to be party poopers.
Fixtures
Saturday
FC Hunters v Hwange (Wadzanayi), FC Platinum v Blackrock (Mandava), Chili v Bulawayo Chiefs (Ascot), Scottland v MWOS Under-19 (Rufaro)
Sunday
Triangle v Blanket Mine (Gibo), Jordan v Hardrock, Caps United v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)
