Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PREMIERSHIP newboys HardRock are definitely up to something big.
The Kwekwe side continued with their signing spree at the weekend after capturing the signature of reigning Soccer Star of the Year Washington Navaya from central region rivals TelOne.
Although Navaya, who scored 17 goals to win both the PSL Golden Boot and the Soccer Star of the Year accolades, yesterday told Zimpapers Sports Hub that negotiations were still ongoing, a source close to the negotiations confirmed a deal was already agreed.
TelOne have already moved to find a replacement in former Major League Soccer forward Farai Mutatu, who is moving from relegated Kwekwe United to Gweru.
“It’s a done deal. HardRock have managed to convince the player and he will be joining them for the pre-season which is set to begin in the next few coming days,” said the source.
Navaya’s contract with TelOne expired on December 31.
He had a brilliant season in 2025, which resulted in him being picked for national team duty at the recent AFCON finals in Morocco.
It appears HardRock are not leaving anything to chance after getting their maiden promotion to play in top-flight football.
They also signed exciting midfielder Nigel Matinha from MWOS at the weekend, with Donald Mudadi, Junior Makunike and defender Boid Mutukure also on the way to join the Kwekwe side.
HardRock sounded early warning shots when they captured highly rated Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu following a good run at the backend of the 2025 season when leading giants Dynamos on a 16-match unbeaten run in both league and cup competitions.
More signings are expected to be unveiled at HardRock, who arrive with a stable financial backing from businessman and club owner Shepherd Magodora Chahwanda.
The 2026 season promises excitement.
After a few weeks’ break for the festive holidays, the clubs are now set to return for pre-season training.
After surviving relegation on the last day, it looks like Triangle will not leave anything to chance as they are set to be the first team back for pre-season today.
Champions Scottland and giants CAPS United will be among the early birds as they are scheduled to assemble later this week to kick-start their pre-season formalities.
Makepekepe, who unveiled 11 new signings and a new coach Takesure Chiragwi, prior to the Christmas break, are expected to commence business this Wednesday with an orientation programme that will take them through the weekend.
Scottland have a date on Thursday where new coach Norman Mapeza is expected to begin field duties with his players.
Bulawayo Chiefs are looking forward to returning to the top flight after spending one season in the second tier.
They have so far roped in former Chicken Inn striker Brian Muza and left-back Elvis Moyo who is making a return to the side after an uneventful season at Scottland.
“It feels great to be back home — once a Ninja, always a Ninja. I am looking forward to a fantastic season that puts smiles on the Bulawayo Chiefs supporters,” said Moyo.
But the situation is not yet clear for other clubs like Ngezi Platinum Stars, who lost their coach Chiragwi and a bulk of players to CAPS United, as well as giants Dynamos who are also currently without a head coach.
DeMbare, however, are closing in on club legend Kalisto Pasuwa, who is currently contracted with the Malawian Football Association as the Flames head coach.
The Glamour Boys are currently seized with the hunting for the coach before coming up with a pre-season programme.
Chicken Inn have roped in two-time Castle Lager Premiership Coach of the Year Tonderai Ndiraya to get the club moving again after a sustained period of stagnation.
The Gamecocks last won the title in 2015 under Joey Antipas but have been drifting southwards in the last few seasons.
They suffered their worst performance in a decade when they finished 12th last season, leading to the decision to replace the veteran gaffer with a coach with a more recent record of winning titles.
