Soccer Stars ceremony almost spoiled

The season finally came to an end in a year that Harare giants Dynamos won a double, the Mbada Diamonds Cup and the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title, pipping their rivals, Highlanders to the title because of a superior goal difference.

The Soccer Star of the Year crowning attended by who is who in Zimbabwean football however had  scenes that almost spoiled the glittering ceremony like that of locking out Dynamos chairman, Kenny Mubaiwa as he was not properly dressed.

Instead of putting on a tie and jacket, Mubaiwa chose to wear farmer shoes and a pair of jean trousers and as he tried to get in, the ladies at the front desk would have none of it, insisting that their instructions were not to allow anyone putting on a pair of jeans inside.

It had to take the intervention of Delta Beverages consultant Major Tikiwa to convince the staff that they should let Mubaiwa in, especially as the championship winning chairman but after waiting for well over an hour. Journalists were also not spared as those who had no ties or wearing jeans were not allowed in.

When it came to the awarding of players, guests can be forgiven for concluding it was a Mbada Diamonds ceremony. The highlights that were shown were of Mbada Cup games and the background was again the diamond mining company.

For being the best player this season, Mukamba took home $5 000, Mambare won himself $3 000 while Chitiyo was rewarded with $2 000. The other eight finalists received $1 000 each. Dynamos coach Pasuwa who bagged the double for the second year running was adjudged the best coach and obtained $2 000.

Kudakwashe Mahachi of Chicken Inn collected $2 000 for being the most promising player, Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda received $2 000 for being  Goalkeeper of the Year.

Shabanie Mine striker Nelson Maziwisa, the leading goalscorer this season with 18 goals to his name got $3 000.

The most disciplined team accolade which carried a cash prize of $10 000 went to Monomotapa with Ruzive Ruzive landing the referee of the year award which saw him walk away with $2 000.