Johnson Progress

TelOne striker Washington Navaya has been crowned the 2025 Soccer Star of the Year, a testament to his remarkable turnaround season.

Navaya, a former Highlanders reject, netted 17 goals to finish as the PSL’s top goal scorer, leading TelOne to a fifth-place finish.

Navaya’s win was met with a loud silence at the awards ceremony, as many had expected Scottland defender Kevin Moyo to take home the prestigious gong.

However, it was Navaya who rose to the top, joining the likes of Walter Musona and Qadr Amini as winners of the award.

“This is my finest hour. I never imagined it will go this way. I give it to my teammates, my coach Herbert Maruwa and his technical staff,” Navaya said in his acceptance speech.

He also expressed gratitude to the TelOne management and fans for their support.

Navaya’s impressive season has caught the attention of other clubs, with Scottland reportedly interested in his services.

The striker recently turned down a move to Durban City in the Betway Premiership in South Africa, citing that he was better off at TelOne.

Other winners at the awards ceremony included Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who was named Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season, and Simba Bhora goalkeeper William Thole, who was named Goalkeeper of the Year.

The full list of winners includes Soccer Star of the Year: Washington Navaya (TelOne FC), 1st Runner-Up: Kevin Moyo (Scottland FC), 2nd Runner-Up: Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora), Most Disciplined Team: Bikita Minerals, Top Goal Scorer: Washington Navaya (TelOne FC), Coach of the Year: Tonderai Ndiraya (Scottland FC), Rookie of the Year: Mafious Chihweta (Scottland FC), Goalkeeper of the Year: William Thole (Simba Bhora FC), Fans’ Choice Award: Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC), and Referee of the Year: Brighton Chimene.

Navaya’s win is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

He joins a long list of talented Zimbabwean players who have made a name for themselves in the football world.

TelOne’s Washington Navaya is the second player from a Gweru-based team to win the Soccer Star of the Year award since the year 2000, joining Chapungu FC legend Maxwell “MaRhino” Dube, who won the prestigious award in 2001.