Online ReporterTafadzwa Tichawangana
Deputy Sports Editor, Zimpapers Sportshub
WASHINGTON Navaya is charting a new course for Hardrock, steering the league’s newcomers into the title race with the same precision that has earned him the moniker ‘The Navigator.’
The reigning Soccer Star of the Year has been the driving force behind HardRock’s impressive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debut, bagging 10 goals in 19 matches so far this season.
His brace in the Kwekwe side’s 4-0 win over ZPC Kariba took his team back to second place on 35 points, five behind leaders Scottland.
After making the switch from TelOne to Hardrock during the off-season, Navaya set himself a modest target of reaching double figures this season.
He had a false start at first, with HardRock fans turning on him as he struggled to replicate the form that powered him to 17 goals and the Golden Boot last season.
However, in his last two matches at home, he has scored four goals, bringing his tally to 10.
He has since adjusted his ambitions, something that will no doubt be music to the ears of the HardRock faithful.
”My initial target was to reach double figures in terms of goals. Now that I have achieved that, I am now looking to match or even surpass my tally of 17 goals from last season. All credit goes to my teammates and coaches, who have always stood by me.”
Hardrock have assembled an experienced and talented side. Navaya epitomises the club’s ambitions, and so do their imports from Eswatini, Sambulo Simelane and Neliswa Dlamini.
Simelane was the architect of Navaya’s latest brace, twice delivering pinpoint crosses for him to bury into the net.
Dlamini, a commanding presence in midfield, contributed with a pile-driver of a goal, hit with the venom of a player high on confidence.
Navaya highlighted the togetherness within the squad as a key factor in their quick adaptation to life in the top flight.
“I am enjoying playing with these guys. The performances are a result of the work we have all been putting in at training. Simelane is also a striker, but he was unselfish and set me up for my goals. He put the team first, and that says a lot about us as a unit.”
Having moved back to within touching distance of log leaders Scottland, Navaya is confident Hardrock can keep up the pace with the reigning champions Scottland.
”It is so satisfying that we are competing and in the title conversation in our first season in the league. We just want to stay in the race, and we will keep working hard to do that.”
Last season, Scottland set the bar high on how ambitious newcomers can win the league.
In Navaya, Hardrock have a player paving way for the club to make history.
Should he achieve his mission, Hardrock will fancy their chances of emulating the Black Rhinos of 1984 and Scottland of 2025 in winning a league title in their debut season.
