Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
OVER the last few years, Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Soccer Stars of the Year has divided opinion, with selectors receiving scrutiny over their choices.
But this has not been the case this year, with selections made yesterday not generating much debate.
The top three from the 11 will be announced at a function, which will be held in Harare on December 5. On the day, the goalkeeper of the year, rookie of the year and coach of the year will also be announced.
Newly crowned Premier Soccer League champions Scottland provided two players on the Soccer Stars calendar in a tight vote conducted Tuesday morning.
Defender Kevin Moyo and lethal striker Tymon Machope made it onto the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League calendar.
MWOS, who finished second, have two players, Abubakar Moffat and Billy Veremu.
One of the Soccer Star of the Year favourites, Emmanuel Ziocha of Simba Bhora, is also among the best eleven.
Dynamos skipper Emmanuel Jalai was also rewarded for leading the Harare giants’ battle against relegation, while Highlanders’ Andrew Mbeba also made the list.
Football coach Dalu Bhebhe said he is satisfied with the selection.
“I have no complaints there, as it could have gone either way, given the performances of the players this season, as the players were really not consistent. There are no surprises for me, there l have no complaints. I think it was a good selection,” said Bhebhe.
Football blogger Buhle Ncube was also happy with the selection.
“I am happy with the selection. I think it’s fair, all these players are deserving. Yes, there are some players I feel did the most, like Nickson Nyasulu and Junior Makunike, but unfortunately, all that’s needed is 11 Soccer Stars. They will get their chance. But to compare the past two seasons and this season’s selection, I did say this season’s selectors/voters did justice, and it shows why there is less debate this time,” said Ncube.
Analyst Praise Dhlakama said: “It’s a fair selection. As always, when such events happen, there will always be debate on players that may have been left out, but we have 18 teams and the panel has to come up with the best 11 out of all the talented players in the league.
“However, for me, really, I would have loved to see Simba Bhora’s Butholezwe Ncube, who was the most outstanding player in that defensive midfield position in our league. I also had hoped to see either Mbongeni Ndlovu or Vincent Nyasulu from FC Platinum also making it to the best 11. Ndlovu has been consistent for the past three seasons and he deserves some recognition as well. But amongst those selected, it’s difficult to single out who has to be removed,” said Dhlakama. Another analyst, Mlondolozi Ndlovu, said: “It’s a fair selection in my view, considering that defenders did well in the 2025 campaign. Kevin Moyo, Jalai and Mbeba are among the best who showed their brilliance in 2025. It’s good that our selectors own defenders who are usually ignored when they actually do as much work as midfielders and strikers. I am tipping a defender to win the best.”
Soccer Stars
Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Tymon Machope (Scottland), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Abubakar Moffat (MWOS), Kevin Moyo (Scottland), Washington Navaya (TelOne), Jarrison Selemani (FC Platinum), William Thole (Simba Bhora), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Billy Veremu (MWOS), Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora)
