Soccer star of the year: Who will make the elite 11?
SAMANTHA MADE
With just one round of games remaining in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL), debate over who will make the coveted “elite 11” is reaching fever pitch.
A panel of journalists, team captains, and coaches is set to select the standout performers of the 2025 season, and football circles across the country are already buzzing with predictions.
One of the season’s brightest stars is Emmanuel Ziocha of Simba Bhora, who has racked up an impressive 18 direct goal contributions.
The Mbare-born attacking midfielder has delivered 14 assists—the most in the league—and four goals, averaging 2.1 assists per game.
Reflecting on his campaign, Ziocha said:
“This season has been better for me, especially with regards to the scoring and assist sheets for the team. However, I feel like I let my team down. We were supposed to fight for the championship. I’m supposed to do better than this.”
Despite his self-critique, he acknowledged his personal milestones:
“Having more assists and goals feels great, since it hasn’t been happening for many years. I think it’s good to be known for assisting. With two games left, I can add more assists and goals, so the season ends with many. I give credit to my teammates—it’s all about the team. We put the team first, and the individuals will follow. I really feel great, and I wish to have more assists and goals this coming season.”
Junior Selemani of FC Platinum has also enjoyed a standout campaign, recording 15 goal contributions—seven goals and eight assists—carrying the Zvishavane platinum miners on his shoulders. A graduate of the Aces Youth Soccer Academy, Selemani’s season highlight was a stunning screamer against league winners Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium, a strong contender for goal of the season.
“I improved a lot compared to last season,” Selemani reflected, while acknowledging the emotional toll of losing team captain Brian Banda:
“There were a lot of obstacles along the way, including the passing away of our captain, Brian Banda, which was a hard pill to swallow. We couldn’t believe it had happened. He was an important player in the squad, and we miss him always.”
He also praised FC Platinum’s coach for his guidance:
“Coach Mapeza knew what I’m capable of, so he kept encouraging me to do better every time—no room for complacency. Believing in myself and having confidence in what I’m doing helped me a lot.”
Tawanda Macheke of TelOne FC has contributed 17 direct goal involvements—seven goals and 10 assists—forming a formidable partnership with league top scorer Washington Navaya, assisting him in five goals this season. Macheke, who holds an honors degree in Development Studies from Midlands State University, has started all league matches, demonstrating remarkable consistency.
“The season has been interesting and challenging, but as a player, comparing where I’m coming from, I feel more confident. With the trust of the coaches and my teammates, I’ve settled well at TelOne,” he said.
In the goalscoring stakes, Washington Navaya leads with 17 league goals, averaging 1.82 goals per game. Despite missing two games due to suspension and trials with Durban City FC in South Africa, he remains the frontrunner for both the top goal scorer and the PSL Soccer Star of the Year awards. Hot on his heels are Taimon Machope of Scottland FC with 15 goals, and Billy Vheremu of MWOS FC with 12.
Kelvin Moyo of Scottland FC has been ever-present, playing every league match and playing a pivotal role in a defence that conceded only 18 goals. Meanwhile, William Thole of Simba Bhora is on track to clinch the most clean sheets award, with 17 shutouts, closely followed by Takudzwa Chikosi of Triangle United FC, who has 15.
Other notable performers include Emmanuel Jalai of Dynamos, crucial in the team’s third consecutive Chibuku Super Cup campaign; Andrew Mbeba of Highlanders; Munashe Bamara of Triangle; Simon Shoko of ZPC Kariba; Vusa Ngwenya of Dynamos; Junior Makunike of Simba Bhora; Marvelous Mukumba of Ngezi Platinum Stars; and Garikai Dematsika of Green Fuel.
With the season’s curtain almost falling, the race for the PSL’s elite 11—and the Soccer Star of the Year—is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested in recent memory.
