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Saul Chaminuka

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
EIGHT topflight coaches believe that the 2014 Castle Lager Premiership Soccer Star of the Year will come from ZPC Kariba which has three finalists – Tendai Hove, Dennis Dauda and Limited Chikafa.

The trio was key to the electricity generators’ inspirational maiden appearance in the topflight, putting a strong championship challenge which they lost to Dynamos on the last day of the season when they were beaten 3-2 by Caps United. A draw against Makepekepe would have handed the ZPC Kariba the title.

Tonight’s Soccer Star of the Year banquet set for Harare marks the official end of the 2014 Premiership programme.

Goalkeeper Hove, defender Dauda and veteran forward Chikafa are competing for the crown with Dynamos’ Stephen Alimenda and Themba Ndlovu, Thabani Kamusoko of FC Platinum, David Kutyauripo (Harare City), Kuda Musharu (How Mine), Evans Rusike (Hwange), Tendai Samanja (Caps United) and 2010 Soccer Star of the Year Charles Sibanda.

ZPC Kariba’s coach Saul Chaminuka said:

“Every player in the top 11 did well but I don’t want to sound as if I’m thinking about myself but I believe Hove was the reason why ZPC Kariba finished the season second. In his debut Premiership season and as young as he is, he made a number of clinical saves that kept us going until we realised that it was possible to go for the championship. If Hove fails to get the award, I think Dauda or Chikafa do have chances to claim the accolade.”

Relegated Bantu Rovers’ coach Mandla “Lulu” Moyo put his money on Chikafa, the same player that Hwange’s Nation Dube believes will face a strong challenge from Chipangano’s Rusike.

“It’s a tight contest because all the players did well but Chikafa is one person who impressed me and even through reports that we had from other games he gave his all,” Dube said.

Highlanders’ Mark Mathe is of the view that unlike in the past seasons when offensive players have won the top prize, this time around a defender will walk away with the top gong.

“I think Dauda will take the top gong. You see, there’s a stigma attached to selection of Soccer Stars so much that offensive players normally get the ultimate prize. The trend is the same even if you look at the Fifa Ballon d’Or. From my own assessment Dauda was very composed and was in great form for ZPC Kariba,” said Mathe.

Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino also backed Dauda while Biggie Zuze of Triangle United was torn between Chikafa and Dauda.

“No doubt ZPC Kariba did well and it won’t be surprising to have the Soccer Star of the Year award going their way. Dauda was the pillar of their defence while Chikafa engineered and scored crucial goals for them. Actually Chikafa made sure that their play revolved around him,” Zuze said.

How Mine’s Luke Masomere said:

“I’d be happy if a player from ZPC wins the award because they had a fantastic season. This is not to say other players didn’t do well but from the trio of Dauda, Chikafa and Hove that’s where the Soccer Star of the Year will come from.”

Harare City’s new coach Taurai Mangwiro who was at the helm of Caps United during the just-ended season said:

“I wouldn’t want to single out anybody but if it were in my hands (deciding who wins), I would’ve picked Samanja because I spent a lot of my time with him.”