Blow for Hardrock: Navaya injured as 20-goal dream hangs in the balance

Hardrock FC’s fairytale maiden season has been dealt a cruel blow. League top scorer Washington Navaya was stretched off the pitch with a head injury during Wednesday’s fiery Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final against Scottland FC, an image that left the fans that travelled all the way from Kwekwe in stunned silence. Hardrock, however, won 1-0 to reach the semi-finals where they have been drawn against FC Hunters.

The striker, Navaya, who sits on 15 goals in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and was closing in on the magical 20-goal mark, went down after a nasty aerial collision and required lengthy treatment before being carried out of the pitch on a stretcher.

Undoubtedly, It is a devastating setback for a man who has been the vital cog in Hardrock FC‘s incredible rise.

Washington Navaya in action against Simba Bhora. Picture by Fanzone

THE TIMING COULD NOT BE WORSE

Crucially, Navaya suffered an injury as Hardrock face Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium this Saturday in a clash that could define their title charge, with just six matches remaining before the PSL season ends.

About Navaya’s injury, coach Kelvin Kaindu said: “Its sad that we had a player pulled out due to a concussion and I hope he will recover soon for our next games.” 

It’s not clear how long Navaya will be out but he might effectively be out of the Bosso blockbuster as they also face crucial fixtures including the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup tie against Herentals College FC early next month.

That injury derails his personal charge for 20 goals, a milestone no local striker has reached since 2010. Without Navaya’s predatory instincts, the goalscoring burden now falls squarely on the shoulders of Prince Dube and Wilfred Madzungu who has scored seven goals for the Kasongo Golden Boys.

Dube, who has netted four goals since his July arrival from Young Africans, will need to rediscover his Tanzanian golden touch quickly. Madzungu, often used as an impact sub, may finally get his chance to start.

For a Hardrock side that has built its identity around Navaya’s goals, next month will test their depth and their dream. Hardrock will get some respite as Navaya recovers during the upcoming FIFA international break.

RELATED STORY: How Kaindu is pushing Navaya to make PSL history