Simba Bhora tipped to dominate soccer stars list

Eddie Chikamhi

Zimpapers Sports Hub

AFTER making history by becoming the first team from Mashonaland Central to win the top-flight league title, Shamva-based side Simba Bhora are tipped to dominate when a panel of selectors meet virtually on Tuesday to pick the season’s best XI.

The Shamva side had a number of consistent performers in their breakthrough season, which culminated in their coronation in Kariba yesterday.

Skipper Walter Musona, striker Tymon Machope, midfielders Mthokozisi Msebe and Tichaona Chipunza, as well as the defensive trio of Webster Tafa, Isheanesu Mauchi and Blessing Moyo, had a sensational season in the Simba Bhora colours.

Musona, who has previously won the Soccer Star of the Year award, led his troops with aplomb from start to finish.

He demonstrated tremendous consistency and weighed in with a double-digit score to his name.

The 28-year-old justified in a big way the “controversial” decision to leave a stable FC Platinum, with whom he had previously won the league title and the Soccer Star of the Year accolade, for Simba Bhora, who had only played one season in the top-flight league.

Machope, who finished as the side’s top scorer, was a revelation, and so was 21-year-old defender Mauchi, who is blessed with good height and technique.

Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya is the favourite for a maiden Coach of the Year award after leading the ambitious Shamva side to the Promised Land.

Traditionally, the team that wins the title provides both the Soccer Star and the Coach of the Year.

Silver medallists FC Platinum are also likely to have a big say in the Soccer Star selection.

Despite being out-muscled in the contest for the title by Simba Bhora, the platinum miners enjoyed brilliant displays from the likes of Juan Mutudza, Hagiazo Magaya, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Rainsome Pavari and Brian Banda.

Deposed champions Ngezi Platinum, who had three players on the final list last year, including Soccer Star Qadr Amini, could be the biggest disappointment this year.

Despite securing third place, Ngezi Platinum Stars have largely been inconsistent.

But forward Obriel Chirinda, who graced the calendar last season while on the books of Bulawayo Chiefs, could be among the few players to retain their places.

Chirinda missed the opening 14 weeks of the season due to a row involving Bulawayo Chiefs, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos.

He went on to score eight goals, to finish in the top 10 of the Golden Boot race.

Ngezi Platinum goalkeeper Nelson Chadya also gave a good account of himself with 17 clean sheets until the penultimate round.

Chadya was among the finalists last year.

For the Golden Glove this season, he was eclipsed by Chicken Inn’s Donovan Bernard, who boasted 19 clean sheets, also with one round of games remaining. The league’s top scorer and Highlanders’ talisman Lynoth Chikuhwa could be among the stars after a stellar season for Bosso.

Chikuhwa leads the Golden Boot race with 16 goals, closely followed by Yadah Stars’ Khama Billiat, who is also heavily tipped to make the soccer stars shortlist.

Billiat proved many of his critics wrong after returning home from South Africa at his lowest and resuscitated a seemingly dying career.

The other players to look out for include CAPS United skipper Godknows Murwira, midfielder Kingsley Mureremba and youthful winger Junior Bunjira.

Fellow giants Dynamos generally punched below their weight, but vice captain Emmanuel Jalai was outstanding, which earned him the call up to the national team.

Herentals were the best team in Harare on account of their position on the log standings, and midfielder Godfrey Mukambi was slightly a cut above his teammates.

The other players who could make the soccer stars shortlist include the Manica Diamonds duo of Michael Tapera and Brett Amidu, Michael Charamba (Chicken Inn), Mackinnon Mushore (Highlanders), Boyd Mutukure (ZPC Kariba), Allan Chapinduka (TelOne), Blessed Ndereki (Yadah Stars) and Green Fuel defender Tashinga Pfende.