Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Awards 2023: A closer look at this year’s biggest winners

TAWANDA CHARI

HARARE – With the conclusion of the Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, it was time to recognize the outstanding players and coaches, with categories that included best player (Soccer Star of the year), fans player, top goal scorer, among others. Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Qadr Amini concluded a stellar season in style with the biggest prize—winning the Soccer Star of the Year, after leading the Mhondoro-based side to their first ever PSL title.

Qadr Amini Ngezi Platinum Soccer Star of the Year

Qadr Amini celebrating his Soccer Star of the Year award, flanked by his wives

Amini had a scintillating league campaign and a deserved winner of the award; but there were other standout performances, including Dynamos box crasher Donald Mudadi being the first runner-up and Obriel Chirinda (second runner-up), Bulawayo Chiefs’ talisman, elevating his game to another level during the season.

Another big winner was Madamburo’s young striker Takunda Benhura who walked away with the Golden Boot after netting an impressive 13 goals.

Benhura had a fantastic year in front of goal, finally winning the golden boot he missed on in 2022 playing in the Northern Division One league. But he made a move to Ngezi, maintained those stratospheric levels and finished the season looking a sharp and with much confidence.

Benhura's confidence levels might have been dented slightly because he had to share minutes but he's responded emphatically by winning the Top Goal Scorer gong.

Ngezi were the biggest winners of the night with Head Coach, Takesure Chiragwi also winning Coach of the year for his efforts in helping Madamburo win the League title.

BIGGEST ‘WHAT IF’ MOMENT OF THE SEASON - Ariel Sibanda and Highlanders

What if Highlanders hadn’t drawn thirteen times? How different would the end of season awards be?

What if Bosso had turned a corner and transformed a couple of draws into wins?. Would Bosso have won the League and Sibanda won the MVP of the year?

Ariel Sibanda did win the Goal keeper of the year but him and his team are biggest what ifs of the season.

The winners of the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Awards:

Soccer Star Of The Year

Winner: Qadr Amini

1st Runner Up: Donald Mudadi

2nd Runner Up: Obriel Chirinda

Fans Player Of The Year

Tino Benza

Top Goal Scorer Of The Year