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George Chigova

Sports Reporters  
THE anxious wait is over as this afternoon the best eleven players who excelled would be revealed after the journalists and coaches meet to select the Castle Lager Premiership Soccer Stars for this season. Three goalkeepers — George Chigova, Tafadzwa Dube and Munyaradzi Diya — made their presence felt during the season.

Highlanders had the largest number of players among the 11 finalists last year with Masimba Mambare, who was the first runner-up, Mthulisi Maphosa, Ariel Sibanda and their skipper Innocent Mapuranga making the shortlist.

But most of their players have been average performers this season.
But there were gems like Bruce Kangwa, who could have been a strong candidate for the big award, following an outstanding season at the leftback position.

Kangwa, however, is ineligible for selection as he is among the several players that have fallen victim to the selection rules which state that a player who accumulates more than six yellow cards or two red cards cannot be considered.

Defending champions Dynamos were far below the usual standards that have made them a household name despite competing for the championship alongside Highlanders and Harare City in a tight race to be decided on the last day.

There was no one to fill the void left by last year’s winner Denver Mukamba.
Besides Devon Chafa, who was unfortunately disqualified following a failed doping test, Ocean Mushure who is also out with six yellow cards, Partson Jaure and goalkeeper George Chigova, there wasn’t much on offer from the rest.

Gift Bello has always been touted as DeMbare’s unsung hero, overshadowed by his defence partner Jaure and his name could also be of interest.

Jaure survived to be eligible for selection after his disciplinary hearing could not be conducted yesterday as he is down with malaria.
Giant goalkeeper Chigova has been outstanding between the posts and after keeping clean sheets in his first seven outings, the DeMbare goalminder capped the season with three individual accolades for the Goalkeeper of the Month.

Harare City midfielder Silas Songani, who will miss the last bite of the Premiership action, is a strong candidate for the top award.
Also worth mentioning is his midfield teammate Nathan Ziwini who should have a strong shout for a place among the top 11 following a stellar season.

Defensive midfield James Jam has also done well for City.
Lanky defender Crispen Dickson also commanded his territory well and demonstrated City were not in the top-flight to make numbers.

Hwange defender Eric Chipeta also bolted from nowhere to make his presence felt in the Premiership.
Hardlife Zvirekwi is also one of the players who was consistent this season amid the inconsistent performances by his team.

There were also the likes of Tendai Samanja, Tawanda Munyanduri and youngster Ronald Pfumbidzai but they could not maintain a steady graph.

Chicken Inn striker Tendai Ndoro, who has scored 18 goals and is set to win the Golden Boot, also played a big role for his club and country and could be a candidate for the top prize.

His teammate Kuda Mahachi was also one of the players who had a good season.

The Herald’s XI Soccer Stars:
George Chigova (Dynamos), Munyaradzi Diya (Highlanders), Silas Songani (Harare City), Eric Chipeta (Hwange), Hardlife Zvirekwi (CAPS United), Tendai Ndoro (Chicken Inn), Kuda Mahachi (Chicken Inn), Nathan Ziwini (Harare City), Partson Jaure (Dynamos), Charles Sibanda (FC Platinum), Pasca Manhanga (Triangle).