Ngodzo tipped to shine

 Fungai Muderere 

CAPS United midfield genius Joel “Josta” Ngodzo is tipped to shine the most in local football’s flashiest and most glamorous night of the year at the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League awards ceremony set for 6 December in Harare. 

The country’s top-flight league will decorate its finest players, coaches as well as referees.

While the Referee of the Year award winner will remain a secret until the night, the Soccer Star of the Year and Coach of the Year gong recipients look quite clear even though the organisers have managed to keep results of Wednesday’s vote well secured.

Resurgent Highlanders and title contenders Caps United provided two players each in the Castle Soccer Stars best 11 which was announced on Wednesday.

Bosso, unbeaten since Dutchman Hendrik Pieter de Jongh took over at the end of September, had goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda and striker Prince Dube chosen among the best in Zimbabwe. 

Title chasing Makepekepe had the duo of midfielders Ngodzo and Phineas Bamusi among players who did well this season.

Former Chicken Inn striker Clive Augusto, who left the Gamecocks midway into this season having banged in 14 goals, was not forgotten by the panel that cast their ballots online.

Defending Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions FC Platinum, who are still with a chance to bag their third championship in a row had midfielder Never Tigere on the list.

The impressive King Nadolo of TelOne, who according to PSL records has scored 10 goals since he joined the Rahman Gumbo-coached team during the mid-season transfer window did well enough to get the votes which put him in the best 11. Dynamos striker Evans Katema, one of those with a realistic chance of overtaking Augusto in the race for the Golden Boot made the grade even though he has fizzled out since he made the switch from Mushowani Stars.

Black Rhinos midfielder Wellington Taderera, Triangle skipper Ralph Kawondera and ZPC Kariba defender Ian Nekati complete the list of this year’s Soccer Stars.

From the 11, the panel also voted for the Soccer Star of the Year as well as the two runners- up, with the identity of the top three to be revealed at a crowning ceremony to be held in Harare on 6 December.

Castle Lager 2019 Soccer Stars: Ariel Sibanda, Prince Dube (both Highlanders), Clive Augusto (Chicken Inn), Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba), Joel Ngodzo, Phineas Bhamusi (both Caps United), Never Tigere (FC Platinum), King Nadolo (TelOne), Evans Katema (Dynamos), Wellington Taderera (Black Rhinos), Ralph Kawondera (Triangle).

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