Washington Navaya shines as Hardrock FC rise to the top

Washington Navaya put up a Man of the Match performance, registering a brace as Hardrock FC outwitted Simba Bhora 3-0 to retain pole position in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after 16 rounds of fixtures.

Navaya hit a brace for Hardrock FC while Samuel Makawa weighed in with the third goal to seal the massive win, lifting the team to 31 points, ahead of Scottland and Caps United on goal difference.

On his return from national team duty, Navaya was simply impressive, oozing confidence in his on and off-the-ball movement from the onset.

Hardrock threatened early, and Donald Mudadi tested Simba Bhora goalkeeper after five minutes of play, but goalkeeper Simba Chinani was equal to the task. On the other hand, the Buju Boys struggled to calm their nerves, with the centre-back pairing of Webster Tafa and Lawrence Chaziya failing to combine.

And after a 30-minute tug-of-war for possession, Hardrock FC finally broke through just after the half-hour mark through Navaya.

WASHINGTON NAVAYA’S MAGIC POWERS HARDROCK FC AGAINST SIMBA BHORA

Hardrock FC’s Sambulo Simelane against Ishmael Nyanhi of Simba Bhora at Chahwanda Stadium. Picture by Fanzone

Simba Bhora defender Webster Tafa had a pass intercepted by Neliswa Dlamini, who picked out Navaya unmarked. The 2025 Soccer Star of the Year had the easiest of tasks to tap the ball home.

Navaya was on song and doubled the score three minutes before half-time as the Simba Bhora defenders were caught flat-footed again. Hardrock led at the break.

They returned from the break with the same impetus as Simba Bhora resorted to soaking up pressure of demonic proportions that was being exerted by the Kwekwe Golden Boys.

For a moment, the Shamva-based side looked like they were coming back as they forced a goalline clearance from Misheck Ngwenya on the hour mark.

But their confidence quickly crumbled like a deck of cards as Hardrock seized control once again. Samuel Makawa, who Kelvin Kaindu introduced in the second half, made it three for the Kwekwe-based side with a rasping shot that was slightly deflected into the net by Navaya.

That was the assurance goal for Kaindu’s men, as Simba Bhora continued chasing shadows in the closing moments of the game. In addition, the result thrust massive pressure on Simba Bhora gaffer Mandla Mpofu, whose team has failed to register a win in five outings.

They drew with CAPS United and Triangle while losing to Chicken Inn, Herentals College FC, and Hardrock FC. They have conceded nine goals in five matches.

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