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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
AS the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League heads to the final weekend of the 2021/22 season, the question being asked by local football fans is “who will make it into the Soccer Star of the Year calendar?
Unlike in the previous years when soccer stars were selected with matches to spare, the panel of sports journalists, coaches and captains is set to select players who were outstanding after the last round of matches.
Champions FC Platinum who had a terrific season leading to their fourth consecutive title, are expected to have the highest number of players shortlisted for the top 11.
It is highly likely that the Soccer Star of the Year, like it happened in the 2017 and 2018 season will come from FC Platinum. Rodwell Chinyengetere, then with FC Platinum won the best player’s award in 2017 and 2018.
FC Platinum’s forward Walter Musona who has banged 13 goals, three shy of the leading top scorer William Manondo of Caps United, is among favourites for the top gong.
Musona has been a key figure in FC Platinum’s fourth league title, scoring goals and also coming up with a number of assists for the Zvishavane side.
The platinum miners also have goalkeeper Wallace Magalane who has kept 15 clean sheets in 19 games.
Since claiming the starting jersey when seasoned Petros Mhari picked up an injury in FC Platinum’s 1-0 defeat on April 30, Magalane has been inspirational for the platinum miners’ title charge, winning the July Player of the Month award.
FC Platinum have never lost a match since Magalane started.
The other FC Platinum players expected to make it into the country’s top 11 are defender Lawrence Mhlanga and midfielder Brian Banda. Mhlanga formed a formidable partnership with Gift Bello and also scored three goals during the campaign.
Banda, whose season ended last week when he reportedly pulled a thigh muscle, put in consistent performances throughout the season. He started 29 out of the 33 games for the champions.
Banda has been a top performer for the Norman Mapeza-coached side, with his admirable box-to-box play, dropping to give cover when defending and initiating attacks as well as coming up with numerous assists.
Having led the scorers’ chart, Manondo of Caps United could be considered for the top 11.
Also in contention for a place in the calendar is Chicken Inn’s leading scorer with 11 goals Brian Muza, Dynamos’ pair of goalkeeper Taimon Mvula and defender Frank Makarati.
Ngezi Platinum Stars captain Polite Moyo, Highlanders playmaker Devine Mhindirira, Bosso’s utility player Godfrey Makaruse and striker Lynoth Chikuhwa on 10 goals are also making noise among the contenders.
Bulawayo Chiefs’ attacking midfielder Mthokozisi Msebe has also been consistent, coming up with a number of assists for the side that looks set to end the season within the top eight. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter