Benjani Mwaruwari Shines as Guest of Honour at the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year Awards

Former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari stepped into the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year awards in Harare and immediately became the centre of attention. His presence carried the same calm confidence that marked his playing career, and the room responded with applause, respect and admiration.

Benjani spent years playing in South Africa, France and the United Kingdom. His return home drew warm reactions from fans, officials and former teammates who lined up for photos throughout the night. He welcomed every moment with a smile.

“It’s very pleasing when you come back home and you get such kind of respect. It humbles me,” he said. He thanked the Premier Soccer League and Delta Beverages for keeping football traditions strong. He also expressed appreciation for the honour of being recognised after Peter Ndlovu was celebrated the previous year.

Benjani announced the Soccer Star of the Year award. The honour went to striker Washington Navaya of TelOne. The award matched Navaya’s strong season which delivered 17 goals. He also picked up the Golden Boot.

Warriors coach Mario Marinica attended the event. PSL chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa, vice chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, CEO Rodwell Thabe, several club captains and former players also joined the celebrations.

New champions Scottland received the new PSL trophy, handed to club president Scott Sakupwanya. Coach Tonderai Ndiraya collected the Coach of the Year award for the second year running. Defender Kevin Moyo finished as first runner-up for the major individual award. Simba Bhora’s Emmanuel Ziocha came third.

Dynamos were confirmed as permanent holders of the Chibuku Super Cup after winning it for the third consecutive time. A new trophy will be introduced for future editions of the tournament.

Full list of winners

Soccer Star of the Year: Washington Navaya (TelOne)
First Runner Up: Kevin Moyo (Scottland FC)
Third Place: Emmanuel Ziocha (Simba Bhora)
Fans’ Choice Award: Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
Goalkeeper of the Year: William Thole (Simba Bhora)
Rookie Player of the Year: Mafios Tadiwa Chiweta
Coach of the Year: Tonderai Ndiraya (Scottland)
Top Goal Scorer: Washington Navaya (TelOne)
Most Disciplined Team: Bikita Minerals

Match Officials Awards

Referee of the Year: Brighton Chimene
First Runner Up: Francis Chirwa
Third Place: Tafadzwa Nkala

The night celebrated excellence, consistency and leadership across Zimbabwean football. Benjani’s presence gave the event a sense of homecoming. His reflections and the recognition of new stars created a powerful link between past heroes and the next generation driving the game forward.