Zimbabwe’s reigning Soccer Star of the Year, Washington Navaya, has
completed a surprise domestic transfer to newly promoted Hardrock FC,
opting to remain in Zimbabwe despite strong interest from South Africa’s
Betway Premiership.
The 27-year-old prolific striker, who scored 17 goals last season for
TelOne FC and featured for Zimbabwe at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, was
widely expected to move abroad. Durban City had shown concrete interest,
with chairman Farook Kadodia confirming talks were planned following
AFCON.
However, Navaya has decided to continue his career at home. His agent,
Gilbert Sengwe, confirmed the deal to Hardrock FC while acknowledging the
other opportunities.
“We would like to thank all the clubs, both locally and abroad, that
showed interest,” Sengwe stated. “In football, you never know what the
future holds.”
A source close to the player indicated that the terms offered by Hardrock
FC were decisive. “For now he decided to stay with a local club based on
what was offered to him,” the source revealed.
The move represents a major coup for Hardrock FC as they enter the top
flight and allows Navaya to maintain his form and visibility ahead of any
potential future transfer.
