Reigning Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year and Golden Boot winner Washington Navaya has opened up about his decision to stay in the local top-flight and snub offers in the Betway Premiership.
After scoring 17 goals in the 2025 season for TelOne in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, the 27-year-old forward attracted interest from Betway Premiership clubs.
Durban City FC and Sekhukhune United were reportedly leading the chase for the Warriors striker, but he has since opted to sign with ZPSL newcomers, Hardrock FC.
The move raised eyebrows among fans and pundits, many of whom view the South African league as the natural next step for Zimbabwe’s elite talent. However, Navaya, who started the Warriors AFCON opener against Egypt, remains firm that his journey at home is far from over.
NAVAYA EXPLAINS WHY HE SNUBBED BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
Explaining his choice, Navaya, who reportedly received a signing-on package that included funds to purchase a house of his choice, said he still wanted to play at home.
“I still wanted to play local football in the Zimbabwean league,” he told FARPost. Asked whether he would consider a move outside Zimbabwe in the near future should he maintain his impressive form during the 2026 season, the former Highlanders and TelOne striker added: “Yes, it would be my dream to secure a move outside Zimbabwe, especially to join a club in the Middle East.”
Navaya has been in high demand following a stellar season in which he finished as the league’s top scorer with 17 league goals.
He was also voted Player of the Season and earned his first senior national team call-up, travelling with the Warriors to Morocco for the ongoing 2025 AFCON campaign. At Hardrock, Navaya reportedly earns US$2,500 [R40,000] per month.
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