Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere , Senior Sports Reporter
THE 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) Soccer Stars of the Year are set to be voted for and unveiled in a few days’ time ahead of the conclusion of the local elite football action next weekend. Simba Bhora have already clinched the league title in their second dance in the Premiership football.
A panel of selected sports journalists, club captains and coaches, will soon cast their votes for players and the coach that excelled in the 2024 league campaign.
With 16 goals under his belt, Highlanders’ Lynoth Chikuhwa, Warriors team returnee Khama Billiat, Simba Bhora’s duo of Walter Musona and Tymon Machope, William Manondo (CAPS United), Chicken Inn goalkeeper Donovan Bernard, Takunda Bhenhura and Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum) are some of the players who are, in a number of circles deemed to have done well for their respective clubs.
Last year, Ngezi Platinum Stars captain Qadr Amini was crowned Soccer Star of the Year.
The 33-year-old former Zimbabwe international pocketed US$7 500 for winning the Soccer Star of the Year award. Dynamos midfielder Donald Mudadi, who finished as the first runner-up, received US$4 500, and Bulawayo Chiefs striker Obriel Chirinda, who was the second runner-up walked away with US$3 750.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach, Takesure Chiragwi, received the Coach of the Year award, for the first time.
Benhura won the Top Goal Scorer award after scoring 13 goals in his first full season. He received US$6 375.
Ngezi Platinum Stars were also presented with the league trophy by the guest of honour, the Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya. For the second year running, they were also named the Most Disciplined Team of the Year.
The club had three players on the 2023 PSL calendar, with goalkeeper Nelson Chadya and 23-year-old forward Benhura joining Soccer Star Amini, on the podium. Highlanders veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda won the Goalkeeper of the Year award for his 19 clean sheets.
Dynamos youngster Elton Chikona, was voted the Most Promising Player of the Year.
Herentals forward Tinotenda Benza, for the second year running, was the Fans’ Favourite. Brighton Chimene won the Referee of the Year for the third time, having previously won it in 2016 and 2019. —@FungaiMuderere
Bongani Ndlovu