JUST IN: Castle Soccer Stars announced

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter  

HIGHLANDERS as well as log leaders Caps United provided two players each in the Castle Soccer Stars best 11 which was announced on Wednesday.

Bosso, unbeaten since Dutchman Hendrik Pieter de Jongh took over at the end of September had goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda and striker Prince Dube chosen among the best in the land this season. Title chasing Makepekepe had the duo of midfielders Joel Ngodzo and Phineas Bamusi deemed to have excelled in 2019.

Former Chicken Inn striker, Clive Augusto, who left the Gamecocks midway into this season having banged in 14 goals was not forgotten by the panel that cast their ballots online.

Defending Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum, who are still with a chance to bag their third championship in a row had only player deemed to have stood out this season, attacking midfielder Never Tigere. The impressive King Nadolo of TelOne, who according to PSL records has scored 10 goals since he joined the Rahman Gumbo coached team during the mid-season transfer window did well enough to get the votes which put him in the best 11. Dynamos striker Evans Katema, one of those with a realistic chance of overtaking Augusto in the race for the Golden Boot made the grade even though he has fizzled out since he made the switch from Mushowani Stars.

Black Rhinos midfielder Wellington Taderera, Triangle skipper Ralph Kawondera and ZPC Kariba defender Ian Nekati complete the list of this year’s Soccer Stars.

From the 11, the panel also voted for the Soccer Star of the Year as well as the two runners up, with the identity of the top three to be revealed at a crowning ceremony to be held in Harare on 6 December.

Castle Lager 2019 Soccer Stars: Ariel Sibanda, Prince Dube (both Highlanders), Clive Augusto (Chicken Inn), Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba), Joel Ngodzo, Phineas Bhamusi (both Caps United), Never Tigere (FC Platinum), King Nadolo (TelOne), Evans Katema (Dynamos), Wellington Taderera (Black Rhinos), Ralph Kawondera (Triangle).

@Mdawini_29