Soccer Star of the Year selection date set

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THIS year’s Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year selection will be held a day after the last league match of the season on November 30 at a venue yet to be announced.

This will be the first time soccer stars will be selected after the end of the season.

According to a communiqué from Delta Beverages, sponsors of the PSL through their Castle Lager brand, the voting will be done through a computerised electronic ballot.

“Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year selection will be held on 30 November 2015 at a private venue and this will be availed to the selectors. Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year Gala Dinner will be held on 4 December 2015 at a private venue in the capital of Harare and will be communicated to the attendees,” read the statement from Delta Beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda.

“This year’s voting process will again be electronic comprising coaches, captains and members of the media.”

PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele said panellists that have been involved in selecting the Castle Lager Player of the Month and Coach of the Month will be involved in the final task.

He said they have maintained last year’s prizes with the winner of the top accolade set to walk away with $5,000 while the runners-up will each get $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. The 11 finalists will each pocket $1,000.

Selecting the stars after the last match of the season is likely to rule out some players who will accumulate cards during the final match of the season.

According to the selection rules, any player who accumulates six yellow cards or more during the course of the season will not be eligible for the awards.

The same will apply to a player that accumulated two or more red cards during the course of the season up to selection time.

A player that has been summoned and found guilty by the PSL disciplinary committee or courts of law during the season will also be disqualified.

Already ruled out is Stephen Alimenda of Dynamos who was found guilty by the PSL disciplinary committee of verbally abusing and assaulting a Tsholotsho FC medic during his team’s league match at Rufaro early this season.

Takesure Chinyama and Roderick Mutuma, who appeared before the league’s disciplinary committee yesterday facing charges of manhandling referee Philani Ncube after Dynamos’ defeat against Harare City in the Chibuku Super Cup final, could be ruled out of contention if found guilty.

Some of the players punted to make the calendar include Chicken Inn captain Danny “Deco” Phiri, who is sitting precariously on four yellow cards and a red card, Clemence Matawu, goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and striker Edmore Chirambadare, who have all been key figures in the Gamecocks’ championship campaign.

Second placed FC Platinum arguably have some of the best players this season, who include goalkeeper Petros Mhari, strikers Brian Muzondiwa and Obrey Chirwa, attacking midfielder Marshal Mudewe, anchorman Gerald Takwara and the defensive Moyo twins Kevin and Elvis.

Outstanding players from defending champions Dynamos have been goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva and Ocean Mushure, while Caps United have Moses Muchenje and Stephen Makatuka.

Other players that have been a cut above the rest include the Hwange duo of striker Newman Sianchali and midfielder Innnocent Muchaneka, ZPC Kariba’s Raphael Manuvire, who has nine goals to his account, and Dongo Sawmill anchorman Derrick Chidzanzara.

Triangle United’s Hillary Bakacheza and Lameck Nhamo and Chapungu’s striking duo of Tineyi Chitora and Allan Tavarisa have also had a good season.

William Manondo has been one of the outstanding players from Harare City.

The league’s leading scorer with 12 goals to his account Knox Mutizwa and Obidiah Tarumbwa are the only Highlanders players that have been consistent performers.

The 2014 Soccer Stars finalists were winner Dennis Dauda, Tendai Hove, Limited Chikafa (all ZPC Kariba), David Kutyauripo (Harare City), Stephen Alimenda, Themba Ndlovu (Dynamos), Thabani Kamusoko (FC Platinum), Charles Sibanda (Highlanders), Tendai Samanja (CAPS United), Evans Rusike (Hwange) and Kudakwashe Musharu (How Mine).

Apart from selecting their 11 finalists, the panellists will choose their Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year, an award currently held by Dynamos defender Blessing Moyo.

The reigning Coach of the Year is Saul Chaminuka, who led ZPC Kariba to second position last season.