2024 Soccer’s finest
MICHAEL KARIATI
The 11 finalists for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year Award have been selected, including 2022 winner, Walter Musona of Simba Bhora, who is once again a favourite to claim the converted trophy this year.
Just as he did with FC Platinum in 2022, Musona played a pivotal role in Simba Bhora’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer title triumph, both creating chances for his teammates and scoring crucial goals himself.
He netted 10 goals as the Shamva -based team clinched the league championship and secured a spot in the 2025 CAF Champions League in 2025.
Although only performances in the PSL are considered, Musona’s contribution extended beyond the league as he also played a key role in helping the Warriors qualify for the 2025 Afcon 2025, scoring memorable goals in the two matches against the Brave Warriors of Namibia.
Yadah talisman Khama Billiat is also tipped to win the coverted trophy.
Former Black Aces and Rio Tinto defender Innocent Tembo believes Musona was clearly the standout player in 2024 Premiership season.
“He was the best player at the league champions and what more do you expect. There is no-one you can compare with Walter in the Premiership right now” Tembo told Business Times.
Also among the 11 finalists are four of Musona’s teammates, Isheunesu Mauchi, Blessing Moyo, Tymon Machope, and Webster Tafa, along with Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)
Lynoth Chikuhwa (Highlanders),
Khama Billiat (Yadah)
Kingsley Mureremba (CAPS United)
Godknows Murwira (CAPS United) and
Emmczanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
Chikuhwa, who finished the season with 17 goals has earned high praise from former ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Shepard Saizi.
“I think, if it is not Khama, then Chikuhwa should take it,” Saizi remarked.
The Castle Soccer Star of the Year, his two runners up, the Coach of the Year, the Rookie of the Year, the Referee of the Year, the Goalkeeper of the Year, will be honoured at a ceremony to be held in the capital Harare on December 6.
The Coach of the Year award seems clear-cut, with Simba Bhora’s Tonderai Ndiraya, the strong favourite after leading his team to the title.
The Castle Soccer Star of the Year Awards ceremony will mark the conclusion of all football activities in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League until the start of the next season.
