Sports Reporter

JOURNALISTS, coaches and captains will tomorrow converge in Harare for the 2014 soccer star-of-the-year selection process.
This year’s selection will see a new group of people being part of the process. Team captains will also be part of the selection panel.
Traditionally sports journalists and soccer coaches made the panel of voters.
However, this year will have a limited number of sports journalists per media house while the captains will be part of the prestigious process.
Like in any other class, there has to be a number one.
Therefore, while people feel there has been no outstanding player in the 16 teams, there has to be a soccer-star at all costs.
There are names that quickly come to the mind of those in the selection panel.
But who is likely to be on the calendar?
ZPC Kariba have had a good season as a team.
There are some notable contributions from players like goal keeper Tendai Hove, Pride Tafirenyika and Denis Dauda.
The trio have been consistent.
Hove has been responsible for the team’s unbeaten record that was shattered by Chapungu after a round of 16 matches.
That record has to be complemented by a good goalkeeper and a good defence. Dauda then comes in.
The former CAPS United man Tafirenyika has been playing like a teenager in the middle of the park.
The injury of Raphael Manuvire made the pint-sized man to take over responsibility of playmaker at the debutants.
Francisco Zekumbawire of Harare City is another player who made an impact this year.
However, the league felt his presence more after the departure of Bigboy Mawiwi at City.
Talent Chawapiwa has also had a wonderful season, but may fall out on votes.
Ronald Chitiyo and Augustine Mbara of Dynamos might make the grade.
On consistency Chitiyo is a strong contender while Mbara’s play has greatly improved and can earn him a place on the calendar.
Stephen Alimenda is another hopeful for the calendar even to win the soccer star accolade.
Highlanders have the league’s top-goal scorer Charles Sibanda.
He has banged the nets 12 times this season.
Sibanda might share the golden boot award with Kuda Musharu of How Mine. They have the equal number of goals.
Sibanda is the only silver line in a dark cloud at Highlanders.
Chiredzi have no outstanding player that might make it onto the calendar, the same with Chapungu, Shabanie Mine and Chicken Inn.
Hwange have been playing good football, but a lapse in concentration made them lose out on the top four.
This time Rodwell Chinyengetere has not been at his best since his return after a long injury.
Average players have driven Hwange and no outstanding player can be picked from the coal miners’ camp.
CAPS United have also played good football, but have a few outstanding players.
United may find themselves without any player on the calendar.
Hardlife Zvirekwi could make it, but the pint-sized man ran out of steam.
Tendai Samanja has played fairly well and if the panelists see through my telescope, the dreadlocked defensive link deserves a place on the special 11 for 2014.
Buffaloes may have Jacob Muzokomba as a soccer star finalist this season.
The seasoned striker has played well and has even scored numerous goals for his club.
Nqobizitha Masuku of Bantu Rovers has had a wonderful season at the Bulawayo side.
He has been instrumental in his side’s games although they will be relegated.
It will be a tough selection process for the panellists this year.
Gone are the days when one player dominated the soccer stars like George Shaya who won it a record five times and three in a row.