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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
MUNYARADZI Diya, Silas Songani, Kudakwashe Mahachi and Tawanda Muparati are favourites to lift the 2013 Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year Award tonight, according to soccer fans in Bulawayo.
The curtain comes down on the 2013 soccer season with a stars banquet at a Harare Lodge tonight where the country’s 11 outstanding players of the year will be honoured as well as the king of local football and his two runners up.
Fans might not have been part of the selection panel but they could not hide who they are tipping for the ultimate prize.
Also set to be crowned is the Referee of the Year, the Coach of the Year, the Rookie of the Year as well as the Goalkeeper of the Year.
The soccer star of the year will come from a list of 11 finalists that include Diya, Tendai Ndoro, Muparati, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Gift Bello, Songani, Mahachi, Erick Chipeta, Charles Sibanda, George Chigova and Mernard Mupera.
Mpopoma-based Highlanders supporter Ndabezinhle Bhebhe tipped Harare City’s Silas Songani to go all the way and join an elite band of players who have won the accolade.
Bhebhe said the Harare City forward, who made a mockery of Highlanders skipper Innocent Mapuranga in the 4-0 demolition of Bosso at Rufaro Stadium, was not a one game wonder but maintained his form throughout. “I will go for Songani, he played well throughout the season. I didn’t know him before but look where Harare City finished in their second season, it was all because of him.
“Muparati and many players were hot and cold at times, they were not consistent,” said Bhebhe.
Former Eagles and Hwange player Innocent Ndebele said the Highlanders shot stopper Diya is the best man for the crown.
“Diya played well this season, not because I’m a Highlanders supporter but I feel he deserves to be the soccer star of the year alongside Songani and young Mahachi,” he said.
Ndebele said this year had been hectic because the criteria of six yellow cards and indiscipline affected some deserving players.
“The likes of Bruce Kangwa, Devon Chafa and Patson Jaure played their hearts out, these are the guys who deserved it but the selection criteria and disciplinary issues put paid to that,” he said
City dealer Martin Chigora who is also a Dynamos supporter tipped Diya for the ultimate prize with Muparati and Songani as runners-up.
“I would say Diya regardless of the fact that he is a goalkeeper. His overall performance was good both in the Premier league and Mbada Diamonds Cup while Songani and Muparati were also outstanding,” he said.
Chido Moyo, a staunch Dynamos supporter also tipped the Highlanders shot-stopper Diya.
She said Muparati and Mahachi also stand a chance of being in the top three.
“Diya was good for Highlanders, but so did Muparati for us as well as Mahachi for Chicken Inn,” she said.
Mzilikazi resident and Zimbabwe Saints supporter, Tendai Nyandoro said Bosso’s Diya deserved the crown.
“It’s high time a goalkeeper was crowned a soccer star of the year. Diya was good this season, so the selectors must reward him for his performance,” said Nyandoro.
Another strong Highlanders supporter Tony Leandoes believes Diya deserved both crowns of being the Soccer Star of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year.
“Diya deserves the prize though it’s hard to see a goalkeeper crowned best player around the world.
“Mahachi and Muparati are the other players that had a good season and also deserve to be crowned,” said Leaondos.
The 11 Finalists:
Munyaradzi Diya, Tendai Ndoro, Tawanda Muparati, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Gift Bello, Silas Songani, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Erick Chipeta, Charles Sibanda, George Chigova, Mernard Mupera.
Online Reporter