SOCCER STARS BOMBSHELL

Zimpapers Sports Hub

DYNAMOS and CAPS United provided three players among the 11 chosen to grace the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar but did any of the trio deserve it?

The two giants had poor seasons which saw them finish in eighth and ninth places in the championship race.

However, they still provided some stars – Emmauel Jalai, Godknows Murwira and Kingsley Murembera – among the list of players whose faces will grace the iconic calendar.

The Green Machine had the third worst defensive record in the league but still managed to provide Murwira, the leader of their defensive unit, onto the Soccer Stars of the Year list.

Ironically, ZPC Kariba, who had the best defensive record in the league after conceding only 18 goals, did not provide even a single player for the calendar.

Champions Simba Bhora, who did not have the best defensive record in the league, ended up providing three defensive players onto the calendar.

The defensive Simba players are Blessing Moyo, Isheanesu Mauchi and Webster Tanaka Tafa.

They joined their teammates – Walter Musona and Tymone Machope – as Simba Bhora became the first team to provide five players onto the calendar.

A panel of journalists, team captains and coaches picked five players from the champions to make the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar.

The Shamva team, who won the championship in only their second dance in the top-flight league, was expected to contribute more finalists than any other team.

But, no one expected them to get FIVE players.

Golden Boot winner Lynoth Chikuhwa of Highlanders, who scored 17 goals, Khama Billiat of Yadah and Chicken Inn goalkeeper Donovan Bernard complete the list.

Chikuhwa also won the November Player of the Month taking his Player of the Month tally to three in the just-ended season.

“I am really happy with this nomination. It’s a dream come true for me. Just last season, I scored three goals and the struggles were real,” said Chikuhwa.

“This has been a good year for me and all credit goes to my teammates, Highlanders fans and everyone involved.

“It’s been an amazing journey for me and my team.

“The transformation from last season has been good for me.”

While Simba Bhora provided five players, there were no representatives from league runners-up FC Platinum despite the impressive performances from Juan Mutudza and Brian Banda.

There are also no players from third-placed side Ngezi Platinum Stars.

There are no players, too, from the fourth best team in the league – Manica Diamonds.