adminSikhumbuzo Moyo
HIGHLANDERS Football Club goalkeepers’ coach Tembo Chuma might write himself a piece of history by producing a Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year running. The slim built Chuma, who hails from Binga, last year groomed Ariel Sibanda who went on to be among the country’s 11 best players and this year, first choice Munyaradzi Diya is a firm favourite for the top award as well as being voted among the 11 star players.
According to the selection criteria, the goalkeeper of the year award is given to the goalkeeper who would have conceded the least number of goals and played more games.
Diya, the hero in Highlanders’ 5-3 penalty win over Harare City in the Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-finals played at Mandava Stadium on Saturday after saving a penalty and scoring one, has conceded 20 goals and played 25 games so far making him the clear cut favourite.
The award is not voted for.
Dynamos’ George Chigova is Diya’s biggest threat although he has played fewer games than the Highlanders’ first choice.
The two goalkeepers though have a huge chance of making into the top 11 players as the former How Mine Primary School and Sikhulile High School student Chigova has done well for the Glamour Boys.
If Diya lands the big prize Chuma will become the first ever local goalkeepers’ trainer to have his players landing the accolade.
Chuma started his goalkeeping career at Kango, which was then in the Zifa Southern Division One League where he played alongside former Quelaton coach Farai Sibanda.
The 2013 Castle Lager Soccer Stars selection process has been penciled for 23 November with the banquet set for the capital in early December.
Diya needs to work on his crosses and ball distribution and avoid conceding silly or soft goals like in the 2-1 win over FC Platinum.
He seems to have a problem with dead ball situations but that has not stopped him from being the reason why Bosso are chasing a league and cup double this season.
Online Reporter