How Kaindu is pushing Navaya to make PSL history

Hardrock FC coach Kelvin Kaindu says he will keep pushing striker Washington Navaya to chase goals and PSL history, even with the title race at boiling point.

Kaindu kept Navaya on the pitch until late in Saturday’s 4-1 Midlands Derby win over TelOne at Chahwanda Stadium despite the game being won. The decision was deliberate.

“We kept Washi out there because we wanted him to score. Even at 4-1 we told him to keep going. A 20-goal season does not come every year. If he reaches that mark his name will be in the history books,” Kaindu said.

Navaya, however, failed to score against TelOne but remains the PSL’s leading scorer on 15 goals. At this point, he needs two more to match his personal best from last season.

In addition, he needs five to reach the 20-goal milestone last achieved by the late Norman Maroto in 2010. No player has hit 20 in the league since.

The timing is key for Hardrock FC as they are in their maiden PSL season and sit second on 57 points, one behind defending champions Scottland FC with six games left.

Striker Washington Navaya during national anthem at Chahwanda Stadium. Picture by Hardrock FC/Facebook

Navaya has been central to that charge and is again the frontrunner for Soccer Star of the Year after winning the award in 2025.

Kaindu also urged Navaya to ignore his omission from new Warriors coach Ramon Catala’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

With 15 goals already, five more would put Navaya alongside Maroto in PSL folklore. For Kaindu and Hardrock, pushing him there could also be the difference in a title race that is set to go to the wire.

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