Online Reporter
Onward Gangata
HARDROCK have wrapped up the Zifa Central Region Soccer League title and booked their place in next year’s Premier Soccer League. Now, attention turns to the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year selection — a contest that sparks debate every season.
A panel of selected journalists and all coaches from the 17 clubs will meet in Gweru on Saturday to choose the 11 standout performers. The final list will be released immediately after the vote, while the overall Soccer Star of the Year and two runners-up will only be announced at the awards ceremony later this month.
“We are going to have our selection process this Saturday,” Zifa Central Region administrator Gift Nyapomwe told Zimpapers Sports Hub. “The panel has not changed from last season; we will have selected journalists and all the coaches of the teams in our league to do the selection.”
Hardrock and runners-up Sheasham are expected to dominate the names on the ballot. Sheasham forward Wilfred Madzungu is widely tipped as the frontrunner for the main award after a superb campaign that delivered 25 goals for the Construction Boys.
His teammate, goalkeeper Elton Sibanda, is expected to claim the Golden Glove after keeping 23 clean sheets.
Hardrock’s backbone of captain Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye, Benedict Sithole and goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya should also feature among the elite performers. Chapungu striker Sausani Mudimba is another strong contender expected to make the cut.
Chapungu’s Edward Watson, last season’s best player, could not defend his crown after an injury ruled him out for the entire campaign.
