Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
DESPITE his place among the 2025 Soccer Stars, Highlanders vice captain Andrew “Tower” Mbeba walked out of the season with mixed feelings. His year carried flashes of class and long spells of frustration. He looked like a player ready to push into a new level, yet his body kept pulling him back.
Mbeba can work as a right back or centre back and was one of Bosso’s most reliable performers. His rhythm kept breaking after a run of injuries and those setbacks eventually saw him excused from the Warriors’ provisional camp for the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
“It’s all good that I managed to make it to the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year finalists. It’s a big boost to my CV and I would like to thank my teammates and the coaches for such a spirited effort,” said Mbeba.
He still felt he had more in him. “As an individual, I was aiming higher, but it was a season where I suffered numerous injuries. I got injured a number of times in the first half of the season and that even happened in the second half.
“However, I never gave up. I‘m grateful for the support I got from everyone in the team.”
The Mzilikazi-bred defender became the anchor of the Bosso backline after the departure of his close friend and partner, Peter Muduhwa, who joined champions, Scottland.
Mbeba carried that responsibility with a steady hand, even as his body kept testing him.
The off-season has brought speculation about his next move. Mbeba has been linked with free-spending Scottland, Simba Bhora, Hardrock and FC Platinum. He brushed off the talk.
“For now, I can’t comment on that. It’s only for the club to say it and I know it’s still early days yet.
“I will stand guided by Bosso communication procedures,” he said on the sideline of the colourful 2025 Soccer Stars Awards ceremony.
Mbeba was named among the eleven stars on a night when TelOne forward Washington Navaya claimed the top honour. Navaya finished with 17 goals, which also secured him the Golden Boot.
Scottland defender Kevin Moyo took the first runner-up spot and Simba Bhora’s Emmanuel Ziocha followed as second runner-up. Tonderai Ndiraya, who led Scottland to the league title in his debut year, was named Coach of the Year for the second straight season.
Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai took the Fans’ Choice Award and Simba Bhora goalkeeper William Thole walked away with the Goalkeeper of the Year prize.
Mafios Chihweta of Scottland was voted Most Promising Player and Bikita Minerals claimed the Most Disciplined Team award. — @FungaiMuderere
