Navaya Shines as TelOne Celebrates Resilience & Community Spirit at 2025 Awards
n By Delicious Mathuthu n nn n Gweru - Washington Navaya (pictured below) was the man of the moment claiming a hat-trick of awards, including the prestigious Player of the Season award, as TelOne FC held its 2025 end-of-season awards at a p
anostrofy By Delicious Mathuthu
Gweru- Washington Navaya (pictured below) was the man of the moment claiming a hat-trick of awards, including the prestigious Player of the Season award, as TelOne FC held its 2025 end-of-season awards at a packed venue in the Midlands capital, Gweru, on Friday evening.
The 27-year-old forward, who also finished as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League top goal scorer, was the standout winner in the men’s category, additionally walking away with the Players’ Player of the Season accolade in a vote by his teammates.
"First of all I would like thank my coaches and team mates... if I was alone this was not possible, so thank you, and everyone who supported me. So I say this is our victory," Navaya said after receiving his accolades.
Other notable awards in the men’s team include Frank Makarati, named Most Inspirational Player, veteran midfielder Eriya Mafirenyika, who received the Most Loyal Player award and Bruno Mtigo, recognised for discipline.
Panashe Mtasa’s stunning long-range strike against Scottland FC was voted the Goal of the Season.
Men’s award winners in full:
Player of the Season – Washington Navaya
Players’ Player of the Season – Washington Navaya
Rookie of the Year – Calvin Chigara
Find of the Season – Kudakwashe Nyakudanga
Most Consistent Player – Tawanda Macheke
Most Inspirational Player – Frank Makarati
Most Loyal Player – Eriya Mafirenyika
Most Disciplined Player – Bruno Mtigo
Most Improved Player – Tadiwanashe Mambudzi
Top Goal Scorer – Washington Navaya
Goal of the Season – Panashe Mtasa
In the women’s section, Tendai Shava was crowned Player of the Season for the TelOne Wi-Fi Queens, while Barbara Manyanga took home the Golden Boot.
Goalkeeper Sobala Sibanda claimed the Golden Glove, and promising youngster Matipa Phiri was named Best Young Player.
Women’s award winners:
Player of the Season – Tendai Shava
Runner Up-Player of the Season - Thabani Takaedza
Top Goal Scorer – Barbara Manyanga
Golden Glove – Sobala Sibanda
Most Improved Player – Abigirl Zimusi
Most Skilful Player – Beater Mataga
Most Disciplined Player – Tanatswa Chikonzi
Best Young Player – Matipa Phiri
Addressing the gathering, TelOne FC club president Oscar Nduwure praised the resilience shown throughout a demanding campaign that saw TelOne compete respectably in the Premier Soccer League despite late dramas and fierce competition.
“We didn’t just play football this year, we built an identity.The final league table tells only part of the story.
"The full story is about unity, commitment to excellence and the pride we showed wearing these jerseys every weekend," he said.
Nduwure paid special tribute to the supporters whose vocal backing at Ascot Stadium and on long away trips proved decisive, and reaffirmed the club’s commitment to upgrading facilities in partnership with Gweru City Council.
Guest of Honour, Joseph Zimusi, who is the Director of Housing and Community Services at Gweru City Council, representing the Town Clerk, Livingston Churu, hailed TelOne FC as a model corporate institution, and underlined the role of sport in combating social ills, creating employment and driving Zimbabwe towards its Vision 2030 goals.
He also hailed the TelOne FC ladies team project.
“The Wi-Fi Queens initiative in particular is more than football, it is empowerment and hope for the girl child,” Zimusi said on the club’s investment in women’s football.
Both speakers stressed that the awards night marked not an end but the foundation for greater ambition in 2026.
