ALL EYES ON THE STARS

Bruce Chikuni

THE curtain finally came down on the 2021-22 Castle Lager Premiership season on Sunday.

FC Platinum secured a record equalling fourth PSL title to join the elite company of Highlanders and Dynamos.

Now, all attention has shifted to individual accolades.

Ngezi Platinum Stars goalie, Nelson Chadya, has already secured the Golden Glove after managing 18 clean sheets.

William Manondo of CAPS United is the Golden Boot winner with 17 goals.

And, the only two categories whose outcome is yet to be sorted out are the Soccer Star of the Year and Rookie of the Year gongs.

The selection for the Castle Lager Soccer Stars of the Year will be held on Friday.

FC Platinum’s Walter Musona and William Manondo of CAPS United are hot favourites for the top gong.

Musona has been the X Factor in FC Platinum’s fourth title success, netting 14 times.

Manondo has scored 17 goals and, given he played for a CAPS United side, which was haunted by financial challenges all season, his performance was amazing.

Another interesting battle is in the Rookie of the Year award.

Whawha’s Jayden Bakare made a shout for the accolade with nine goals to his name despite his team being relegated.

He did wonders for his side, but unfortunately his miracles could not breathe life into the prison wardens.

Takudzwa Chikosi of Herentals is also queuing up for the award having amassed 15 clean sheets despite missing the club’s first five games.

Chikosi has also played a pivotal role in leading the Students to their first Chibuku Super Cup final, in which they will meet Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields, on Sunday.

FC Platinum’s Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya is also being tipped to take home the gong.

The 19-year-old won the League and Cup double in this campaign.

He also shouldered the scoring burden for the champions, netting 10 times.

Ngwenya did all this while preparing for his A-Level exams at Guinea Fowl High School.