The Sunday Mail
PREMIERSHIP debutantes ZPC Kariba had three of their players voted among the best XI performers of the year while heavyweights Dynamos provided two at a controversy-free electronic voting exercise conducted in Harare yesterday.
The ZPC trio of goalkeeper Tendai Hove, Dennis Dauda and Limited Chikafa made their way onto the Soccer Stars Calendar on a day their team’s stand out performer Pride “Predator” Tafirenyika was disqualified for picking up six yellow cards.
Hove has been solid in goals for ZPC Kariba, who can cap a fine season by clinching the league title this afternoon, while Dauda has proved to be the cog upon which Saul Chaminuka – a favourite for the Coach of the Year gong – has built his side.
Chikafa has led from the front and should be fancying himself for the big one.
In his hour of glory Hove, who was part of the selection panel by virtue of him being the ZPC captain, sparred a thought for Tafirenyika.
“I am happy and sad at the same time. I know Predator would have made the list had it not been for the yellow cards rule,” he said.
Dynamos weighed in with the defensive pair of Stephen Alimenda and Themba Ndlovu, with Charles Sibanda being Highlanders’ only entrant.
Veteran Harare City defender David Kutyauripo joined Hove in making history as they became the first panellists to be voted among the best XI.
Kutyauripo voted in his capacity as the Sunshine Boys’ skipper.
The 35-year old defender, who has vowed to kick on well into his 40’s, was overwhelmed at “finally making it.”
“It has been a long time in coming and at one time I thought it won’t be coming my way,” said the journeyman defender who has also seen action with Circle Cement, Njube Sundowns, Caps United, Shooting Stars and Dynamos.
Kutyauripo also had a stint in Cypus.
“I knew I had played well but having experts such as journalists, coaches and fellow players recognising that effort is a humbling experience, I thank God.
“I would have loved to celebrate this selection but have to put it on hold because we have a very important game against Chicken Inn tomorrow (today) and there is little time for celebrations.”
Caps United anchorman Tendai Samanja, How Mine striker Kuda Musharu, Hwange’s Evans Rusike and FC Platinum’s Thabani Kamusoko complete a Soccer Stars cast that should not trigger much controversy.
Samanja has had the season of his life but news of his selection still came as a shock.
“Ahhh mudhara musaite majokes akadaro. (Don’t joke like that),” said the 28-year old when reached for comment.
Then he called back.
“I have confirmed it, it’s true . . . haaaa I thank God man. It’s a dream come true and would like to dedicate this one to my grandmother who looked after me following the death of my mother. I would also like to thank everyone at Caps United because football is a team sport.”
Hwange coach Nation Dube hailed the selection of his team’s 22-year old striker.
“Evans has done well and deserves this recognition,” he said.
The panellists also voted for the Goalkeeper of the Year, promising Young Player of the Year and Coach of the Year and the winners – together with the new king of local football – will be announced at a banquet set for the capital next month.
The referee of the year, selected by the Zimbabwe Soccer Referees Association, will also be unveiled on the same night.
2014 Soccer Stars of the Year
Tendai Hove, Dennis Dauda, Limited Chikafa (all ZPC), Stephen Alimenda, Themba Ndlovu (both Dynamos), Tendai Samanja (Caps United), Thabani Kamusoko (FC Platinum), Charles Sibanda (Highlanders), Evans Rusike (Hwange), Kuda Musharu (How Mine), David Kutyauripo (Harare City)
Click Here to Read the live blog updates posted YESTERDAY at the meeting
