Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WASHINGTON Navaya opened his 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League account with the goal that earned Hardrock victory over ZPC Kariba on Saturday.
The striker now wants his next strike to arrive at Chahwanda when Chicken Inn visit Kwekwe on Wednesday. The forward struck the decisive goal at Nyamhunga as Hardrock secured their first win of the campaign, a result that settled early nerves for the ambitious newcomers.
Now Navaya has shifted his focus to the club’s home ground where he hopes to reward the Kwekwe supporters.
“It is my wish to score at home. That’s my dream. We will see on Matchday,” he said.
The striker also praised the understanding developing between him and teammate Wilfred Manzungu, who set up the winner against ZPC Kariba.
“My partnership with Manzungu is good because we managed to score with his assist,” said Navaya.
“This goal is very important to me because it opened my account for the 2026 season. I am aiming for double figures and people were expecting me to start scoring.”
Hardrock face a sterner test against a seasoned Chicken Inn side that carries experience and recent form into the midweek clash.
The Gamecocks arrive in Kwekwe after a 2-0 win over Triangle, a result that lifted them to four points on the table, level with Hardrock in the early stages of the season.
They are guided by Tonderai Ndiraya who has built a reputation for success in the domestic top-flight league and whose teams are known for their discipline and organisation.
Midfielder Michael Charamba will also step onto familiar ground.
The player once turned out for Amaveni High School in Kwekwe and says the return carries a special meaning.
“It’s always a good feeling playing at home,” said Charamba.
Charamba has also reunited with Ndiraya after working with the coach during their time together at Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu expects a tough contest but believes the win over ZPC Kariba gave his players confidence at a crucial stage of the season.
“We give glory to God. It was a tough game and maybe we did not play as expected but the most important thing was getting the maximum points,” said Kaindu.
The midweek meeting at Chahwanda now offers Hardrock another early test and Navaya hopes the occasion will also bring the first home goal of his campaign.
Mathew Masinge