Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Soccer Star of the Year, Cephas Chimedza, stirred an interesting debate on Facebook, when he named some of the players he thinks will make the 2025 Castle Lager Soccer Stars calendar.
Chimedza, who won the top gong with CAPS United in 2024, believes the likes of Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora), Billy Veremu (MWOS), Washington Navaya (TelOne) and Mackinnon Mushore (Highlanders) should among the best eleven.
He also believes Simba Bhora ‘keeper William “Achimwene” Thole has done enough to be considered for the Golden Glove.
The Malawian international has kept 15 clean sheets for the defending champions, with three rounds of action left in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Thole is neck-to-neck with Triangle United’s Takudzwa Chikosi, who also played for Herentals in the first half of the season.
Martin Mapisa (MWOS), Nelson Chadya (Scottland) and Dynamos’ Prince Tafiremutsa have also been thrown into the conversation.
Chadya has 14 clean sheets despite limited appearances for Scottland whose coach rotated keepers throughout the term.
However, Thole’s success could be interesting as he could become the first foreign keeper to win the Premier Soccer League Golden Glove.
His countryman, Joseph Kamwendo, is still the only foreigner to win the Soccer Star of the Year, a feat he achieved with CAPS United in 2005.
But, Thole has to reclaim the number one jersey from Tonderai Mateyaunga for him to remain in contention for the Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Mateyaunga guarded the goal when Simba Bhora lost 2-1 at Ngezi Platinum Stars last weekend.
Chances are high Simba Bhora coach Joel Lupahla might restore Thole for the match against Highlanders at Barbourfields next weekend.
They will play Bikita Minerals and Yadah before the conclusion of the season.
It has been quite a fine season for Thole, who joined Simba Bhora from Mighty Wanderers of Malawi in January.
“Zimbabwean football is good and the difference with our Malawian football is that there is no small team here,” said the 27-year-old keeper.
Thole is also the first choice for Malawi national team where he plays under record breaking Zimbabwean coach Kalisto Pasuwa.
“This is my first season here in Zimbabwe and I am enjoying it quite a lot. It has been amazing to say the least,” said Thole.
“Simba Bhora have been a good home for me because they don’t treat me as a foreigner, they see me as a brother and the fans at Wadzanai are just fantastic.
“My dream now is to finish on a high and possibly claim the Golden Glove.
“There’s stiff competition for this award but it will be good if I am to win it in my first season in Zimbabwe.”
Simba Bhora lost ground in the title race after suffering a loss in Mhondoro.
They remained on 56 points and six behind leaders Scottland going into the last three rounds of the race.
