FUZ, stakeholders applaud soccer stars selection

Sport
THE Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) has applauded this year’s Castle Lager soccer stars voting process, conducted in Harare on Saturday.

THE Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) has applauded this year’s Castle Lager soccer stars voting process, conducted in Harare on Saturday. FORTUNE MBELE/SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA

Eleven players from the country’s Premier Soccer League clubs will grace next year’s calendar with ZPC Kariba having three players – goalkeeper Tendai Hove, Dennis Dauda and veteran Limited Chikafa, while Dynamos had two in Stephen Alimenda and Themba Ndlovu.

The other players were top goalscorers Charles Sibanda (Highlanders) and How Mine’s Kudakwashe Musharu.

Also in the calendar are Evans Rusike (Hwange), Thabani Kamusoko (FC Platinum), Tendai Samanja (Caps United) and Harare City’s David Kutyauripo.

FUZ president Desmond Maringwa, who was an observer, said this year’s voting process was fair and was happy that it included club captains.

“I think it was all fair. The electronic system was fast and efficient and the counting was easy. We are also happy as a union that this year we are involved as players,” Maringwa said.

How Mine captain Mernard Mupera was also ecstatic.

“It makes sense that we as the players, become part of the voting system and I think it was all fair.

Those that made it to the eleven finalists deserved to be there,” Mupera said.

The soccer star of the year and the first and second runner-up and the most promising player will be announced in a few days at a banquet in the capital.

Hwange coach Nation Dube commended the new voting system although he said they are a few adjustments that need to be done to make the system even better.

Hwange coach Nation Dube
Hwange coach Nation Dube

“The voting system was fair. It shows that we are moving with the times. I think what needs to be done is to ensure that voters are not allowed to use cellphones.

Selectors use cellphones to communicate during the voting system.

“If cellphones were to be taken away during voting it would be better. But the system is okay.

“We had a fair selection. But we have to make sure that players who are voted for really deserve it.

“We want to see a selection of a complete player. One who is not only good in the pitch, but is a good reflection in our society,” he said.

Chairman of the panel of experts Charles Mabika said the process went well.

“’It is a big improvement for us to use this system. When we select the Fifa Ballon d’Or winner we use this kind of system. The process is much shorter.

“It calls for more accountability from the selectors because they are the eyes and ears of the game.

“We owe it to the people to come up with a fair selection.

“I am happy with the selection. It is good because it is a reflection of what transpired during the 2014 season,” he said.

Bantu Rovers captain Nqobizitha Masuku said everything went well. “The voting system was okay. It was transparent and there was no cheating.

“The best players were chosen and there were no complaints. It was tough to choose the players though,” he said.