Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KELVIN Kaindu has come to the defence of striker Washington Navaya, who has been a subject of abuse by a section of Hardrock’s fans.
Navaya, the reigning Soccer Star of the Year, has had a sluggish start to life at the Kwekwe-based side.
In his first six matches, Navaya scored only once.
However, he has managed to score in back-to-back matches for the first time this season, to take his goal tally to three.
His header against Agama last week secured all three points for Hardrock.
His late strike against Ngezi Platinum Stars on Sunday rescued a point for the Kasongo Boys.
Navaya also scored the solitary goal in Hardrock’s 1-0 away win at ZPC Kariba, earlier in the season.
This means Navaya’s goals have directly won Hardrock seven points.
Hardrock are second on the table, two points behind leaders CAPS United, who have 19 points.
But, for a player who came with a lot of hype after a stellar show at TelOne last season where he banged in 17 goals, Hardrock fans are demanding for more.
Navaya was jeered and booed by his fans during the weekend, especially during the first-half, as the Kwekwe side missed a glut of chances.
“There are always moments like that,” said Kaindu.
“Fans always want to win, it is football, the same Navaya that the fans booed, is the same player who gave us the equaliser.
“Sometimes he may not be at his best, that is why we need to encourage him.
“As coaches, we do not react to what the fans are looking for.
“These are the players that we have and we have to encourage them, one day it is difficult, another day you deliver, football is like that, today you are a hero, the next day you are a villain.”
Mathew Masinge