Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League top goal scorer, Washington Navaya, has been rewarded for his stellar performances with a place in the Zimbabwe national football team’s 24-man squad for next week’s international friendlies.
The Warriors will face Algeria on November 13,in Saudi Arabia, before travelling to Qatar for a clash with the host nation four days later.
Navaya’s inclusion reflects his consistent form and vital contribution to domestic football this season.
Ahead of the two last competitive encounters before the Africa Cup of Nations in December, new Warriors coach Marian Marinica has called in PSL top goal scorer Washington Navaya, who was consistently overlooked by his predecessor Michael Nees.
The former Highlanders striker has found the back of the net 17 times this season, two ahead of Scottland’s Tymon Machope, who is also in the squad.
Apart from Navaya, there are not many changes in the squad that also sees young midfielders Prosper Padera and Sean Fusire getting call-ups after being omitted in the last two World Cup Qualifiers.
Vice-captain Marshall Munetsi is not available for the two encounters, while Khama Billiat has been omitted from the squad.
Meanwhile, Kaitano Tembo has been retained as the assistant to Mario Marinica, while Pernel McKop continues as the Goalkeepers coach.
The Zimbabwe Football Association has also indicated that locally based players will get into a two-week camp at the end of the season so that the new coach can assess the players.
After the camp, the selected players will join foreign-based players in a pre-tournament camp in Morocco ahead of the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
