Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Warriors captain Benjani “The Undertaker” Mwaruwari walked into the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year awards as the Guest of Honour and walked out with the room still buzzing from his presence.
He spoke with the same calm pride that defined his playing days and thanked the football community for reminding him what home feels like.
Mwaruwari, whose career carried him through South Africa, France and the United Kingdom, smiled through every cheer. The ex-Manchester City striker soaked in the moment as fans and officials lined up for photos.
“It’s very pleasing when you come back home and you get such kind of respect. It humbles me.
“Last year it was Peter Ndlovu, this year it’s me. You know, when they recognise you, it’s quite a special occasion. I want to thank the Premier Soccer League and their sponsors, Delta Beverages. I really enjoyed the function, it was well organised and I would like to congratulate all the 11 Soccer Stars,” he said while the cameras kept following him around the venue.
Warriors coach Mario Marinica joined the crowd along with PSL chairperson Isaiah Mupfurutsa, vice chair Kenneth Mhlophe, newly appointed chief executive Rodwell Thabe, several club captains and past greats.
The night belonged to TelOne forward Washington Navaya, who took control of the spotlight after a season that delivered 17 goals. His tally earned him the Golden Boot and the top honour as the 2025 Soccer Star of the Year.
New champions Scottland FC also had their moment as club president Pedzisayi Scott Sakupwanya received the newly branded Castle Premier Soccer League trophy. The title came in the club’s debut season and their achievements kept rolling during the ceremony.
Coach Tonderai Ndiraya collected the Coach of the Year award for the second season in a row. Defender Kevin Moyo finished as first runner-up and Simba Bhora’s Emmanuel Ziocha completed the podium as second runner-up.
Dynamos stepped up to receive the Chibuku Super Cup after stretching their dominance to three straight seasons.
Full list of winners
Soccer Star of the Year: Washington Navaya (TelOne)
First Runner Up: Kevin Moyo (Scottland FC)
Second Runner Up: Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora)
Fans’ Choice Award: Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
Goalkeeper of the Year: William Thole (Simba Bhora)
Rookie Player of the Year: Mafios Tadiwa Chiweta
Coach of the Year: Tonderai Ndiraya (Scottland)
Top Goal Scorer: Washington Navaya (TelOne)
Most Disciplined Team: Bikita Minerals
Match Officials Awards
Referee of the Year: Brighton Chimene
First Runner Up: Francis Chirwa
Second Runner Up: Tafadzwa Nkala
—@FungaiMuderere
