The 2012 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season is approaching the finishing line and focus has shifted to the selection of the 11 players that illuminated the local premiership. The million dollar question is; who is going to be crowned Soccer Star of the Year?
Our Sports Editor Brian Nkiwane looks at players who have been outstanding in their respective clubs this season.
Dynamos The Harare giants look set to defend the championship as they have already landed one hand on the trophy. They have slippery Denver “Mundikumbuke” Mukamba who has rose a shoulder above all at DeMbare, if not the entire league.
Mukamba had moments of madness in terms of discipline, but he is in the running for the top award. He has been a revelation to watch and at times won matches for DeMbare single-handedly.
Patson Jaure, who was moved from the midfield to form a solid wall in the heart of defence with Guthrie Zhokinyi for the better part of the season, is also in the running. Unfortunately, Zhokinyi was slapped with a life ban for alleged participation in the Asiagate scandal and would not be selected.
Tawanda Muparati has again been in devastating form for the Glamour boys which resulted in him claiming the Dynamos arm band. Highlanders
The rise of Umantengwani has seen Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu assembling a youthful team which may provide a large number of players in the best 11.
Captain Innocent Mapuranga, Ariel Sibanda, Milton Ncube, man of the moment Peter “Rio” Moyo and hot property Masimba Mambare have been in terrific form for a team that tasted defeat once at the hands of impressive Monomotapa in the league. These players have been impressive to the extent of earning national team call-ups with the exception of Ncube and Mthulisi Maphosa, who also has not lost any touch.
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Monomotapa Monomotapa is another team that has a number of players who performed well during the entire season. Monoz have Ronald Chitiyo, Tawanda Nyamandwe, Russell Madamombe and Osborne Mukuradare. The three have been scoring at will. Veteran Kuda Musharu cannot be ruled out too.
Buffaloes Gangling Prosper Matizanadzo stood out for Buffaloes and it did not take Rahman Gumbo time to call him into the national team.
Chicken Inn Chicken Inn have been playing well too and look forward to skillful Kudakwashe Mahachi and Thomas Chimenya.
FC Platinum Despite a bad season, FC Platinum have Ali Sadiki and Mitchel Katsvairo to bank on.
Shabanie Mine FC Nelson Mazivisa with 18 goals is assured of the Golden Boot award. His form also earned him national team call up.
CAPS United David Rediyoni has been the turning point for CAPS United resurgence as well as Hardlife Zvirekwi.
Harare City Godfrey Nguwodzawo has been the man behind the success of the “City Fathers”. He stands a chance to sneak in together with Silas Songani.
Hwange FC The coalminers are set to weigh in with Zambian import Aaron Katebe and injured Warriors striker Rodwell Chinyengetere.
Black Mambas Nicholas Alufandika still has that touch that gave him fame during his time at DeMbare. He might spring a surprise for the police side.
Quelaton Mhleli Sibanda has a big say for relegated Quelaton.
It has been a disastrous season for Mighty Bulls, Gunners, Blue Rangers and Hardbody and it would be a surprise if they contributed players in the best 11.
Coach of the year Dynamos coach Kallisto Pasuwa, Highlanders’ Kelvin Kaindu, whose team broke a standing record of an unbeaten run in the league, Monomotapa’s Biggy Zuze, Chicken Inn’s Adam Ndlovu and Buffaloes’ Soul Chaminuka are in the running for the Coach of the Year award.
The five coaches have transformed their clubs into football powerhouses.
The Coach of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Rookie of the Year and the most disciplined team would be announced at a banquet next month while the 11 finalists would be made public just after selection on Saturday.
