Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WILFRED MANZUNGU capped a brilliant season on Saturday night when he walked away with the 2025 Central Region Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year award in Kwekwe.
His 25 goals set the tone for Sheasham’s charge and made him the league’s standout performer.
He beat a competitive field to take the biggest individual honour at a lively ceremony that brought together players, officials and club leaders from across the region. Hardrock’s dependable defender Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye finished as first runner-up and his teammate, goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya, claimed second runner-up after another steady campaign between the posts. The league’s young talent was also celebrated. FC Platinum Under-19’s Lylod Karengo took Rookie of the Year after announcing himself with a season full of maturity and consistency.
Sheasham’s Elton Sibanda, who turned several tight matches with commanding displays, won Goalkeeper of the Year after keeping one of the best clean sheet tallies in the division.
Referee of the Year went to Busani Siwawa, whose control and consistency in big fixtures earned praise from clubs and match commissioners throughout the season.ZIFA vice-president Kenny Ndebele applauded the region for staging a successful awards night and urged leaders to strengthen junior football structures and local competitions.
“I want to salute the sponsors and the Central Region leadership for organising this memorable awards ceremony to honour hardworking and dedicated footballers. “I applaud the invaluable stakeholder effort as both public and private sectors continue to come together to support football.
“I urge the region and province to establish junior football leagues. Here in Kwekwe, there’s already a junior structure with U-13, U-15 and U-17 leagues, I encourage other districts to implement similar systems for proper football development.”2025 CRSL Soccer Star of the Year Winners
Soccer Star of the Year
Wilfred Manzungu (Sheasham)
1st Runner up
Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye (Hardrock )
2nd Runner up
Mathias Kigonya (Hardrock)
Goalkeeper of the Year
Elton Sibanda (Sheasham)
Top Goal Scorer
Wilfred Manzungu (Sheasham)
Rookie of the Year
Lylod Karengo (FC Platinum U19)
Referee of the Year
Busani Siwawa
Coach of the Year
Calvin Maphosa (Hardrock)
Administrator of the Year
Charles Chikwira (Chapungu)
2025 CRSL Best 11 Soccer Stars of the Year
Wilfred Manzungu, Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye, Mathias Kigonya, Elton Sibanda, Donald Ngoma (Hardrock), Benedict Sithole (Hardrock), David Mangesi), Mbonisi Ncube (Gwanda Pirates), Qhubekani Zondo (Jame West), Peace Mwanza (Tongogara), Sausani Mudimba (Chapungu)
Mathew Masinge