Simba Bhora captain Walter Musona and Ngezi Platinum Stars goalkeeper Nelson Chadya are on the verge of achieving unique milestones as the 2024 Soccer Stars of the Year are set to be selected this Wednesday.
The league concluded over the weekend with Simba Bhora defying expectations to claim the championship in just their second season in the top flight. Now, a panel comprising journalists, club captains, and coaches will cast their votes to honor the standout performers of the season.
Musona, whose contributions were instrumental in Simba Bhora’s triumph, is strongly favored to win the Soccer Star of the Year award. If successful, he will become the first player to win the accolade with two different teams.
While George “Mastermind” Shaya remains the record-holder with five titles, and Peter Ndlovu and Rodwell Chinyengetere are the only others to win twice, Musona could carve out his own niche.
His first Soccer Star of the Year honor came in 2022 when he propelled FC Platinum to their fourth consecutive league title.
This season, Musona dazzled with 10 goals and 13 assists, directly contributing to 23 of Simba Bhora’s goals. Reflecting on his remarkable season, Musona expressed pride in the team’s achievement.
“I wasn’t chasing personal accolades; my focus was on helping Simba Bhora win the league title. That we accomplished this goal is incredibly satisfying,” Musona said. “Looking back, it’s been my best season, and if I win the Soccer Star award, it would be an incredible bonus.”
Meanwhile, Chadya is poised to make history as the first player to win the Goalkeeper of the Year award twice. Though second to Chicken Inn’s Donovan Bernard in clean sheets, with 19 compared to Bernard’s 20, Chadya’s overall contributions stand out.
The Ngezi Platinum shot-stopper registered three assists, saved two out of three penalties faced, and displayed consistent maturity throughout the campaign. Already a two-time Soccer Stars calendar honoree, a 2024 nomination would make Chadya the first goalkeeper to secure three consecutive spots on the prestigious list.
“It was a challenging season balancing domestic league duties, the CAF Champions League, and the Chibuku Super Cup,” Chadya said. “I’m proud of the numbers I’ve achieved and thankful for the collective effort of my teammates.”
Other strong contenders for top honors include ZPC Kariba captain Boid Mutukure, who anchored a defense that recorded 22 clean sheets, Lynoth Chikuhwa of Highlanders, the league’s top scorer, and standout performers such as Valentine Kadonzvo (Dynamos), William Manondo (CAPS United), and Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora).
The selection process promises to be intensely competitive, reflecting the high level of performance across the league this season.
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