TelOne forward Washington Navaya capped off a remarkable campaign by being named the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year, earning Zimbabwean football’s top individual honour at a gala event in Newlands, Harare, on Friday night.
The award, which comes alongside his Golden Boot title for a 17-goal season, marks a major milestone for the striker, who rose from a modest club with a smaller profile than many of his competitors.
Navaya admitted the win surprised him, but his clinical form throughout the season left little doubt among selectors.
The forward faced stiff competition, particularly from players backed by clubs with larger fan bases and louder digital campaigns.
Many supporters pushed for Scottland FC defender Kevin Moyo, Dynamos’ Emmanuel Jalai, and Simba Bhora midfielder Emmanuel Ziocha. Yet Navaya’s consistency, work rate, and goal-scoring power ultimately set him apart.
Moyo finished as first runner-up, while Ziocha took second runner-up.
The evening also recognized excellence across coaching and officiating. Tonderai Ndiraya was awarded Coach of the Year for the second straight season, this time after guiding Scottland FC to the league title in his first year at the club. He previously won the award in 2024 with Simba Bhora.
The full list of winners:
- Soccer Star of the Year: Washington Navaya (TelOne)
- First Runner-Up: Kevin Moyo (Scottland FC)
- Second Runner-Up: Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora)
- Fans’ Choice Award: Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: William Thole (Simba Bhora)
- Most Promising Player: Mafios Chihweta (Scottland/Highlanders)
- Coach of the Year: Tonderai Ndiraya (Scottland)
- Top Goal Scorer: Washington Navaya (TelOne)
- Most Disciplined Team: Bikita Minerals FC
- Referee of the Year: Brighton Chimene
- Referee Runners-Up: Francis Chirwa and Tafadzwa Nkala
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