WE HAVEN’T CHOSEN OUR STARS, SAYS KWEZA

Curtworth Masango

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIFA Northern Region chairman, Martin Kweza, says they are yet to select their Soccer Stars of the Year and the list that is circulating was chosen by fans.

He was reacting to complaints from some clubs that the list does not represent the true picture of what happened in Division One this season.

“We are yet to select the final 11 and the list circulating was voted for by the fans,” said Kweza.

“As a region, we are still to select the finalists and that will be done by coaches and team captains.”

The list, which is circulating, has Scottland’s Lincoln Zvasiva and Ronald Pfumbidzai, Phineas Musetse (Agama), Delight Gandare (Banket, United) Jeremiah Mkangira (Norton Community), Trevor Bunu (Golden Eagles), Trust Toravasei (Cranborne) and Emmanuel Zinyama (Black Rhinos).

The MWOS trio of Tafadzwa George, Kelvin Shangiwa and Everson Feremba complete the list.

Some club chairpersons, who spoke to Zimpapers Sports Hub, questioned the list.

Trojan Stars chairman Irvine Gunyere said the list was not a true reflection of the best players in the league.

“Those are not the best 11 in the league, it didn’t reflect the reality of our football,” said Gunyere.

“We want an organised system whereby we have established names like coaches, captains and journalists voting for the Soccer Stars.

“The region made a poll, which was not public and based on a certain online group which is not accessible to all teams.

“So, for us, this was not proper.”

Harare City chairman, Matthew Marara, said:

“I don’t even know the process that was used. I was surprised and couldn’t help myself but question. So, as a club, we haven’t talked about it officially but we have a group where people raised their concerns.

“The leadership dismissed the list and it means it’s not even a talking point for us.

“We now recommend the league to use a criteria known to everyone and that has a fair representation of all be it journalists, coaches and team captains.”

Black Rhinos chairman, Edward Mutukwa, said clubs did not agree with the selection criteria.

“You can’t make a Soccer Stars selection based on an online poll as it will misrepresent everything good about football.

“Football issues should be taken seriously at all stages and make sure that we are at par with international standards if our football is to grow,” he said.