Fungai Muderere
CAPS United’s nimble-footed midfielder Joel “Josta” Ngodzo, Highlanders’ chief striker Prince “Mgadafi” Dube and Triangle’s Ralph Kawondera are heavily tipped to be in the running to be crowned the Castle Lager Premier League best footballer of 2019 at a function to be held in Harare on Friday night.
The three players were outstanding for their respective clubs.
Of the three, Ngodzo is expected to be Rodwell Chinyengetere’s successor for the country’s top football gong.
Last year, Chinyengetere, who returned home mid-season and rejoined FC Platinum from South Africa’s Baroka FC, achieved something the modern day Zimbabwean footballers have failed to accomplish, that is to be crowned Soccer Star of the Year on two consecutive seasons.
There is no doubt whatsoever that Josta is the front runner for the award. With two games to go before the conclusion of the 2019 league.
Kawondera not only stands a chance of being selected the best but he could be the undisputed goal machine of 2019 if he finds the net twice to beat Clive Agusto’s 14 goal tally.
Agusto, who left the Gamecocks midway into this season having banged in 14 goals, was not forgotten by the panel that cast their ballots online.
After keeping 16 league clean sheets, Bosso goal minder, Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda is almost assured to return the Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
Resurgent Highlanders and title contenders Caps United provided two players each in the Castle Soccer Stars best 11 which was announced last Wednesday.
Bosso, unbeaten since Dutchman Hendrik Pieter de Jongh took over at the end of September, have goalkeeper Sibanda and Dube among the 2019 Soccer Stars.
Title chasing Makepekepe have the duo of midfielders Ngodzo and Phineas Bamusi.
The country’s top-flight league will also decorate its finest coach as well as referees.
The Referee of the Year award winner will also receive his dues on the night.
Meanwhile, FC Platinum will on Saturday go into battle with Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel in a Group B Caf Champions League mini group match set for Bulawayo’s Barbourfields Stadium.
The two sides had contrasting fortunes in their opening matches last Friday, with the Tunisians defeating record Caf Champions League winners Ahl Ahly 1-0, while Pure Platinum Play went down 1-2 to Sudanese side AL Hilal.
