Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SWITCHING to a new environment was never going to be a smooth transition for reigning Castle Lager Premiership Soccer Star of the Year and Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya.
This time last season “Navigator” was already in full flight in TelOne colours, winning the Player of the Month awards in the first two months of the campaign.
However, it took time before he could rediscover his scoring form at Hardrock, a newly promoted side.
But he has been consistent in recent weeks to take his tally to five goals, one behind leading scorers Khama Billiat of Scottland and Herentals’ veteran utility man, Ralph Kawondera.
Navaya was on target in four of Hardrock’s last five games and will be looking to continue with the lethal form against former paymasters Highlanders at Chahwanda this afternoon.
“I am happy to be scoring because bit by bit I am adding to my tally,” said Navaya.
“I am excited by the support from my teammates and coaches. It’s my job as a striker to score goals. I want to get to double figures and defend my Golden Boot title.
Navaya has endured a slow start to life at his new home, highlighting a familiar trend in local football where the stars struggle to replicate their magic the following season.
The pattern has manifested in several players before him, most recently Golden Boot winners Clive Augusto (2019), William Manondo (2021–22), Takunda Benhura (2023) and Lynoth Chikuhwa (2024), who all experienced post-triumph dips.
Navaya admitted the weight of expectation after moving to a new club as both Golden Boot winner and Soccer Star.
“Yes, there is a difference because sometimes it’s not just automatic switching to a new environment, meeting new players and coaches, and then you play your best game,” said Navaya.
“You have to adjust a bit, and I believe that’s what has been happening. So, I keep working hard and doing extras.”
In his first six matches, Navaya managed just one goal, a stark contrast to the five he had scored at the same stage last season. But signs of revival have emerged.
He scored his first goal this season in the 1-0 win over ZPC Kariba on March 14. This was followed by a four-match goal drought.
The barren spell eventually ended in successive matches against AGAMA and Ngezi Platinum Stars where he scored a goal each. There was a one-match gap before returning with strikes against FC Hunters and TelOne.
“It was good to score because it helps boost my confidence going forward,” he reflected.
“I believe I’m settling in well in Kwekwe.”
Navaya also emphasised the importance of collective effort over individual brilliance after Hardrock moved to second place on the log standings, one point behind leaders CAPS United.
“We are working as a team so that we achieve something together this season. As players, we are helping each other because we possess different qualities.
“If we blend them together, it will help us as a team. Mind you, football is not about individuals. We are grateful for the support we are getting from our fans. We promise to try our best so that they will be happy,” said Navaya.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu believes Navaya could still play a big role in his team.
“He is yet to get his best form, but for him to get five goals, he is getting there and is pushing slowly,” said Kaindu.
Former Golden Boot winner Alois Bunjira believes that the pressure Navaya is facing is both inevitable and potentially beneficial.
Bunjira had walked the road before when he finished runner-up for the Golden Boot in 1995 with 24 goals before winning it the following season with 23.
“Obviously there is pressure on him to replicate last year’s form, especially after moving to a new team,” said Bunjira.
“The Hardrock fans would want the same show or even better. But for someone confident in their abilities, that kind of pressure can be the drug to push them further and do better than the previous season.”
Navaya did not quite reach Bunjira’s numbers, but his 17 goal haul last season was more than enough to shrug off competition.
“It’s all about believing that last year’s success was due to ability and not a fluke,” Bunjira said.
“Goal-scoring is about confidence. When you are confident, you are not scared of getting into scoring positions.
“My advice to Navaya is to keep believing and working hard, especially on individual training. For a striker, nothing beats individual work. Scoring goals is an art, not luck.”
