adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League sponsors Delta Beverages have said consultations are underway to bring the selection process of Soccer Stars of the Year in line with international standards following increasing calls for the panelists’ votes to be made public. The move is aimed at stemming accusations of biased voting, particularly for the top three players, with allegations that some panellists’ voting choices raised eyebrows while others mix up names of players and coaches.
Delta Beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda said broadening the composition of the panel along suggested lines required significant investment in technology, but added that consultations were underway to bring the whole process in line with global best practice.
“We are engaging the Castle Lager PSL authorities in testing various IT platforms to bring our selection process in line with benchmarked international practice,” said Murambinda.
Renowned radio and television personality Charles Mabika, who is a member of the prestigious Fifa Ballon d’Or panel, said it was high time Soccer Stars of Year votes were made public.
“I’m the Zimbabwe journos’ representative on the Fifa Ballon d’Or and one of the pre-conditions before you agree every year to take part in the voting process is that your vote is made public soon after the winners are announced. If you don’t want that, you are out,” said Mabika.
Debate on who will make it onto the stars’ calendar is already in full swing among football fans and journalists.
ZPC Kariba’s Dennis Dauda is the reigning Soccer Star of the Year. In a clean sweep for the then league debutants, goalkeeper Tendai Hove was voted first runner-up and Limited Chikafa took the second runner-up spot.
2014 Soccer Stars:
Stephen Alimenda, Limited Chikafa, Dennis Dauda, Tendai Hove, Thabani Kamusoko, David Kutyauripo, Kuda Musharu, Evans Rusike, Tendai Samanja, Charles Sibanda
Online Reporter