The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda in Harare
AS was hugely anticipated, the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Chicken Inn contributed the highest number of players in the 11 Soccer Stars of the Year with four of them included in the list voted for in Harare today.
Skipper Danny Phiri, hard working seasoned midfielder Clemence Matawu, left footed striker Edmore Chirambadare and goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze made it after the electronic voting was conducted by journalists, coaches from the 16 PSL teams and their captains at Mandel Training Centre.
Former champions Dynamos with a poor season by their own high standards surprised many by providing two of their stars, goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva and left back Ocean Mushure to the list.
There was one contribution each from Caps United with Stephen Makatuka, Highlanders represented by prolific striker Knox Mutizwa, Triangle chipping in wit Hillary Bakacheza, ZPC Kariba having Raphael Manuvire and FC Platinum represented by striker Brian Muzondiwa.
Chicken Inn skipper Phiri, a driving factor in the Gamecock’s way to clinching their maiden title who had to sit out the last game of the season against Flame so that he does not pick one more yellow card which would make him ineligible for selection now has to fight it out for the top accolade with the likes of Mutizwa, Muzondiwa and Matawu.
The Soccer Star of the Year and his two runners up were also chosen today but will only be announced at a crowning ceremony in Harare on Friday 4 December.
Just to show how inconsistent the local players are, none of 11 from 2014 managed to convince the selectors to choose them again this year.
2015 Castle Soccer Star of the Year full list Hillary Bakacheza(Triangle), Elvis Chipezeze, Danny Phiri, Clemence Matawu, Edmore Chirambadare(all Chicken Inn), Stephen Makatuka(Caps United), Tatenda Mukuruva, Ocean Mushure (both Dynamos), Brian Muzondiwa (FC Platinum), Knox Mutizwa (Highlanders).
