The prize, which stipulates that winners should be totally committed to the game, show skill, team spirit and sportsmanship, has not propelled post-1992 winners, besides Agent Sawu (1993), to command a regular jersey in the national team. Even Wilfred Mugeyi, who scooped it in 1992, saw more of life on the sidelines than within the lines with the Warriors. The same applied to 1996 winner, Stewart Murisa.
Non winners such as Cuthbert Malajila, Nyasha Mushekwi and Chris Samakweri, who lost it to Zhuwao, have been regulars in the national side. Stanford Mtizwa, Francis Shonhayi and Henry McKop also played in the national team, while Dinyero watched from the sidelines, while Adam Ndlovu, Sawu and Paul Gundani had a dance with the Warriors, as Nechironga was restricted to club action. None made it through from Mucherahowa’s class, while only Mike Madzivanyika had a trial stint from Murehwa’s list.
But is that a clear reflection of the standards of the local game?
Former Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe chairman, Robson Sharuko, believes there is so much competition for the national team because the team is almost saturated with foreign-based players.
‘‘Eight foreign-based stars are likely to play and this leaves only three places for locally based players. With most of our soccer stars being midfielders and strikers, these positions are in most cases filled by foreign based players and the soccer star might find himself out,” said Sharuko. Former Dynamos defender Henry Chari concurred. From the 41 stars selected since the award was introduced in 1969 only six were defenders and three have been goalkeepers.
Post published in: Football