BENJANI STEALS THE SHOW AT STARS NIGHT

Benjani Mwaruwari (right)

Fungai Muderere

Zimpapers Sports Hub

FORMER Warriors captain Benjani “The Undertaker” Mwaruwari walked into the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year awards as the Guest of Honour and walked out with the room still buzzing from his presence.

He spoke with the same calm and pride that defined his playing days and thanked the football community for reminding him what home feels like.

Benjani, whose career carried him to South Africa, France and the United Kingdom, smiled through every cheer. The ex-Manchester City striker soaked in the moment as fans and officials lined up for photos.

“It’s very pleasing when you come back home and you get such kind of respect. It humbles me,” said Benjani. “Last year it was Peter Ndlovu, this year it’s me. You know when they recognise you it’s quite a special occasion.

“I want to thank the Premier Soccer League and their sponsors Delta Beverages.

“I really enjoyed the function, it was well organised and I would want to congratulate all the 11 Soccer Stars.” Benjani was also given the honour to announce the winner of the Soccer Star of the Year.

Fittingly, it was another striker – Washington Navaya. Warriors coach Mario “Super Mario” Marinica joined the crowd, alongside PSL chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa, vice-chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, newly-appointed CEO Rodwell Thabe, several club captains and past greats.

The night belonged to TelOne forward Navaya who was crowned Soccer Star of the year.

He was rewarded for a season which delivered 17 goals. His tally also earned him the Golden Boot award. New champions Scottland were also officially crowned with club president, Scott Sakupwanya, being presented with the new PSL trophy.

Coach Tonderai Ndiraya collected the Coach of the Year award for the second season in a row.

Defender Kevin Moyo finished as first runner-up and Simba Bhora’s Emmanuel Ziocha finished third.

Dynamos will keep the Chibuku Super Cup for good after they won it three times in a row.

A new trophy will be unveiled for the competition.

Full list of winners

Soccer Star of the Year: Washington Navaya (TelOne)

First Runner-Up: Kevin Moyo (Scottland FC)

Third Place: Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora)

Fans’ Choice Award: Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)

Goalkeeper of the Year: William Thole (Simba Bhora)

Rookie Player of the Year: Mafios Tadiwa Chiweta

Coach of the Year: Tonderai Ndiraya (Scottland)