Walter Musona Caps Off Exceptional Season with 2024 Soccer Star of the Year Award

Sports Reporter

In a glittering ceremony held in Harare, Simba Bhora captain Walter Musona was crowned the 2024 Soccer Star of the Year. This prestigious award is a testament to Musona’s outstanding performance throughout the season, which saw Simba Bhora claim their maiden league championship.

Musona’s exceptional skills on the field, which included 10 goals and 13 assists, made him a standout candidate for the award. He edged out stiff competition from Highlanders’ Lynoth Chikuhwa and Yadah FC’s Khama Billiat, who came in second and third, respectively.

The 28-year-old Musona, who joined Simba Bhora earlier this year after parting ways with FC Platinum, has had an illustrious career. He has played in Sweden and South Africa and has won two league championships. Musona’s achievement marks the second time he has won the Soccer Star of the Year award, having previously received the honor in 2022.

Tonderai Ndiraya, Simba Bhora’s coach, also received recognition for his outstanding leadership, scooping the prestigious Coach of the Year award. Ndiraya’s guidance played a crucial role in Simba Bhora’s maiden league championship, and his award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his hard work and dedication.

Other winners from the night included Bosso’s Chikuhwa, who walked away with the Golden Boot award after scoring an impressive 17 goals throughout the season. Donovan Bernard of Chicken Inn received the Goalkeeper of the Year award after garnering 20 clean sheets. Young Allan Chapinduka of TelOne was recognized as the Most Promising Player of the Year, while Yadah’s Khama Billiat received the Fans Choice Award.

Musona’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. In his acceptance speech, Musona expressed his gratitude and humility, acknowledging the stiff competition he faced. “I feel honored and I feel lucky, the competition was there, and I know it could have gone any direction. It feels great to walk the podium in a league with so many good players like Khama Billiat, Machope, and Lynoth Chikuhwa,” he said.

With this award, Musona joins an elite group of players who have won the Soccer Star of the Year award twice since 1980, including Rodwell Chinyengetere, Peter Ndlovu, and Stanley Ndunduma.