Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ONLY three players – Emmanuel Jalai, Tymon Machope and Isheanesu Mauchi – retained their places on the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year and will one of them now go on and win the prestigious gong?
Of course, there is also Scottland defender Kevin Moyo who featured in all of Mabviravira’s 34 league matches and was a favourite with the panel which chose the stars yesterday.
He was duly rewarded with a place on the calendar, for the third time in his career.
He was the first runner-up in 2017 after starring for FC Platinum who had won their maiden league championship.
The following year, Moyo was the second runner-up.
“It’s an honour and privilege to be among the best.
“I am very proud of myself, I worked hard this season and all the glory goes to the Almighty for being with me,” said Moyo.
A panel of journalists, coaches and club captains selected the best eleven players for the season, with Dynamos captain Jalai, Scottland striker Machope and Simba Bhora defender Mauchi making it twice in a row.
Jalai led from the front as Dynamos fought against relegation. The Harare giants secured their place in the Premiership on the last day of the season.
“It’s a huge honour to make it two times in a row, especially looking at how tough this year has been for us as a club,” said Jalai.
“Thanks to Allah for making it possible.
“It wasn’t easy and l never thought one day l was going to fight relegation whilst playing for Dynamos but it’s football here we are now.”
Machope banged 16 goals for champions Scottland.
It was the first time for players like the MWOS duo of Abubakar Moffat and Billy Veremu as well as Washington Navaya of TelOne.
“The people of Mutapa in Gweru are very happy,” revealed Navaya, who was bred in the Midlands capital.
“It has been a wonderful season and I am very thankful.”
Navaya won the Golden Boot after scoring 17 times for TelOne
Simba Bhora keeper William Thole became the first foreign goalie in years to make it onto the calendar.
The Malawi international kept 17 clean sheets and is a huge favourite for the Golden Glove.
“I am on cloud nine,” the Malawian keeper told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“Credit goes to my teammates, without them all this would not have been possible.
“To the people of Shamva I want to say thank you for the support.
“Thank you for making me feel at home,” added Thole.
Soccer Stars list
Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Tymon Machope (Scottland), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Abubakar Moffat (MWOS), Kevin Moyo (Scottland), Washington Navaya (TelOne), Jarrison Selemani (FC Platinum), William Thole (Simba Bhora), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Billy Veremu (MWOS), Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora)
