daniel chigunwe
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ATTACKING midfielders Walter Musona and Khama Billiat are likely to rekindle their battle for recognition when the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe hold their annual player awards ceremony in Harare tonight.
Musona, who was crowned Castle Lager Premiership Soccer Star of the Year 2024, is tipped to shine again in this version of the awards where voting is strictly by PSL players.
The 29-year-old had an outstanding season in which he led Simba Bhora to a historic league title before crossing the floor recently to join newboys Scottland.
But he faces stiff competition from new Scottland teammate Billiat, who has successfully relaunched his career on home soil. After experiencing a myriad of challenges during his last days in South Africa, the 34-year-old Zimbabwean international revived his career at a modest club, Yadah, last season and went on to be crowned the second runner-up in the PSL Soccer Star of the Year awards.
Billiat, who backed his quest with 13 goals and several assists, was also crowned the PSL Fans’ Favourite by the domestic football enthusiasts.
PSL Golden Boot winner Lynoth Chikuhwa is among the dark horses.
FUZ secretary-general Wonder Sithole told Zimpapers Sports Hub the stage was set for the crowning ceremony.
The former Dynamos midfielder said FUZ awards are distinct in that the voting is exclusively done by the PSL players, unlike the Castle Lager PSL Soccer Stars, who are voted on by a panel that includes club cap-tains, coaches, and a selected number of journalists.
This year the organisers have also added the Golden Glove for both men’s and women’s football.
“We have got the best XIs for men and women, the Golden Glove for both categories as well, and also honourary and merit awards to those who have contributed positively to the game.
“The winners are voted on by other players in the league.
“This is the third of its kind,” said Sithole.
“The whole idea is for the players to vote for themselves. It’s a for the players, by the players kind of scenario. Unlike where fans and journalists vote for the best players, ours is the players voting for the best amongst themselves.”
Donald Mudadi, who recently left Dynamos for Simba Bhora, was voted the Best Player for 2023 in the men’s category, while Maud Mafuruse of Herentals Queens dominated the women’s game.
France-based midfielder Marshall Munetsi won the Best Foreign-based Player at the Awards.
FUZ awards categories:
FUZ Best Male Player of the Year
FUZ Best Female Player of the Year
FUZ Best Foreign-based Player Men
FUZ Best Foreign-based Player Women
FUZ PSL Top Goal Scorer
FUZ ZWPSL Top Goal Scorer
FUZ PSL Golden Glove
FUZ ZWPSL Golden Glove
FUZ Men’s Team of the Year
FUZ Women’s Team of the Year
FUZ Merit Award
FUZ Media Honorary Award
