Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season is closing in with champions already crowned, but the real talk in the streets, shebeens and WhatsApp groups is who will walk away with the biggest personal crown in local football?
A bruising race for the 2025 Soccer Star of the Year has officially reached boiling point. And right now, it looks like Scottland FC’s rock-solid central defender Kevin Moyo is the man to beat.
A panel of journalists, club coaches and captains will soon sit down to pick the 11 best players of the season. The date is still to be confirmed, but the anticipation is already louder than a vuvuzela at Barbourfields Stadium.
Scottland FC, the free-spending debutants who stormed into the Premier League and grabbed the title with two matches to spare, have changed the tone of Zimbabwean football.
In their very first topflight season, they snatched the championship out of Simba Bhora’s hands, leaving the league stunned and scrambling to catch up. Their classy passing game, confidence and relentless ambition have made them the talk of the soccer scene.
And at the heart of it all has been one man who has refused to blink. Kevin Moyo.
The former Dynamos and FC Platinum defender has been an iron wall, a captain without the armband and a calm commander in chaos. His twin brother Elvis struggled with injury this season, but Kevin stood tall, playing almost every league match for the Mabvuku outfit. His only absence came in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final loss to Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium, a match decided on penalties.
Moyo has earned respect not through flashy play, but through reliability. He wins tackles, organises the backline, starts attacks and plays with the calmness of a surgeon. When Scottland needed leadership, he gave them granite.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Moyo said lifting the league title in Scottland’s debut season was a moment he will never forget.
“To win the league in our first season is historic for the club and all of us. It came from unity, hard work and belief. From the president’s vision to the technical team’s preparation to the commitment of every player, it was one family pushing for one goal. We fought for every blade of grass,” he said.
Asked about being strongly tipped for the Soccer Star of the Year crown, Moyo remained humble.
“It is an honour. Any recognition is a reflection of the whole team. A defender only shines when the team is playing well. If I am selected, I dedicate it to the Scottland family,” he said.
However, Moyo is not cruising alone.
TelOne’s red-hot striker Washington Navaya, has been terrorising goalkeepers all season. With 17 goals and counting, he has been leading the Golden Boot race from day one. His ability to turn half-chances into goals makes him a strong challenger for the big award.
Right behind him is Tymon Machope of Scottland with 16 goals, making this a photo finish of fire and sweat.
Then there is Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai. The pint-sized dynamo had a slow start, but since Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu arrived, Jalai has been reborn. He has led DeMbare to a 12-match unbeaten run, delivering performances that scream leadership and class.
The votes will soon be cast. The nation is watching.
For now, the headline stands:
It is Kevin Moyo’s title to lose.
But Navaya and Jalai are still knocking.
