Chronicle Editor
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE curtains comes down on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with a panel selecting the season’s most outstanding players on Wednesday.
The selectors panel drawn from journalists, captains and coaches will come up with a list of outstanding players (11), Goalkeeper of the Year and the Rookie of the Year.
A number of players will be vying for the Rookie of the Year award in a season some names came into the reckoning signalling that the sport may still have a future.
They dazzled audiences around the country and some are being likened to Yesteryear Greats.
Highlanders’ Mvelo Khoza had a good season, starring in most of the matches he was thrown into the fray. Small in stature, he showed that dynamite comes in small packages with some enterprising displays at right-back.
Many considered wasted in that position as they felt his creativity and should be pushed forward to a free role or attacking one. They argued that would draw the best out of the talented youngster who started his football journey at Makokoba’s 11th Street famed for giving a platform to many stars.
Claivert Tshuma, Hwange’s dribbling merchant had a magnificent run, reminding many club supporters of the great days when the club had the likes of Machona Sibanda, the late David Khumalo and Kakoma Kayonga terrorising opposition defences for fun.
The former Prince Edward and Dynamos recruit made himself among the players to watch out for when clashing with Hwange who fought relegation from the beginning of the season to yesterday.
Alois Bunjira Jnr may walk away with the gong. He has been capped in his first season in the Premiership as he was part of the Chan side that lost to lowly Swaziland last month under the care of Takesure Chiragwi.
It was perceived as a development side and Bunjira who has been a beacon of hope at Caps United, earned his first cap.
At club level he was a shining star with his quick pace on the offensive, crossing, passing and goals. He reminded many of a rising Alois Bunjira at Darryn T and Caps United, 30 years back.
He is a gem and one for the future if he keeps his head focused.
Simba Bhora’s Isheanesu Mauchi’s name should come up for consideration even among the Soccer Stars of the Year. He was rock solid in defence playing alongside Webster Tafa, Partson Jaure and Blessing Moyo.
A former member of the Zimbabwe national volleyball team, Mauchi has been very consistent in defence and appears to have benefited from exposure at Barcelona Academy some years ago.
The multi-talented star with medals in swimming and tennis stands among the favourites as does the Ngezi Platinum duo of Nisbert Muzenda and Tinotenda Meke.
Manica Diamonds’ Eddie Kanyangu and Ngoni Moyana have looked worthwhile investments for the club’s future and Zimbabwe game.
Chicken Inn’s Craig Ndlovu, could be another contender.
A worrying factor is that most juniors emerging nowadays are often hit by inconsistent form and do not last more than a decade like yesteryear stars such as Sunday Chidzambwa, Madinda Ndlovu, Boy Ndlovu, Willard Khumalo, Gibson Homela, Lawrence Phiri, Isaac Phiri and Ephraim Chawanda.
Drug and Substance abuse has been a major problem.
Online Reporter