WHO WILL BE ZIMBABWE’S 2026 SOCCER STAR OF THE YEAR? FIVE PLAYERS IN THE RUNNING

With the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season nearing its end, the spotlight is beginning to shift towards the individual honours, particularly the highly coveted Soccer Star of the Year award.

 

The prestigious accolade celebrates the finest performer in Zimbabwean top-flight football, and this season’s competition is shaping up to be an interesting one.

 

Several players have enjoyed outstanding campaigns, making it difficult to single out an outright favourite. However, Hardrock FC’s attacking sensation Washington Navaya and midfield maestro Neliswa Dhlamini have emerged as two of the strongest contenders.

 

Both have been instrumental in Hardrock’s impressive season, with Navaya providing the goals while Dhlamini has been influential in controlling proceedings from midfield.

 

Their contributions have placed them firmly in the conversation, but the question remains: Will the biggest individual prize in Zimbabwean football head to Kwekwe, or is there another player capable of upsetting the favourites?

 

Here are five footballers who have presented strong arguments for inclusion in this year’s Soccer Star of the Year conversation.

 

1. Mongameli Tshuma — Highlanders FC

 

Despite Highlanders experiencing an inconsistent season, Mongameli Tshuma has consistently provided moments of quality that have made him one of the league’s most exciting performers.

 

The forward has demonstrated impressive attacking ability, using his individual skills and creativity to make a difference for Bosso. His performances have often been a bright spot in what has otherwise been a challenging campaign for the Bulawayo giants.

 

His growing influence has also earned him recognition at national level, with a call-up to the Warriors squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.

 

Furthermore, his reported move to Hardrock FC ahead of next season speaks volumes about the reputation he has established in the domestic game.

 

Although Highlanders’ overall performance could potentially affect his chances, Tshuma’s individual contribution deserves recognition. Individual awards should also celebrate players who stand out even when their teams are struggling.

 

2. Isaac Landu — Dynamos FC

 

Isaac Landu has emerged as one of the defenders deserving serious consideration in this year’s individual awards race.

 

The DR Congo defender has brought physical presence, composure and defensive authority to the Dynamos backline, becoming an important figure in the Glamour Boys’ setup.

 

While Dynamos have endured an inconsistent campaign, Landu has maintained a respectable level of performance, regularly demonstrating his ability to deal with opposition attacks.

 

His collection of LuckyBets Player of the Match awards further highlights the consistency and influence he has brought to the team.

 

Defenders are sometimes overlooked when individual accolades are discussed, with much of the attention naturally gravitating towards goalscorers and creative players. However, Landu’s performances provide a reminder that defensive excellence is equally important.

 

With 56 sports journalists forming the voting panel for the Soccer Star of the Year selection, his consistent displays could put him in a strong position to receive consideration.

 

Should he make the final shortlist, it would be a deserved acknowledgement of his contribution at the heart of the Dynamos defence.

 

3. Nyasha Gurende — CAPS United FC

 

Nyasha Gurende may not always attract the same attention as the league’s high-profile attacking players, but his contribution to CAPS United’s campaign has been significant.

 

Known affectionately as ‘One Gurende’ among the Green Machine supporters, the left-footed defender has established himself as one of the club’s reliable performers.

 

His consistency, availability and disciplined approach have made him an important part of the CAPS United defensive setup.

 

Across a demanding league campaign, Gurende has demonstrated the importance of dependability, regularly delivering performances that have helped maintain stability at the back.

 

Although CAPS United may fall short of their supporters’ expectations in the title race and potentially finish fifth, that should not automatically diminish the defender’s individual achievements.

 

His performances deserve to be assessed on their own merit rather than being overshadowed by the club’s overall league position.

 

Gurende could therefore be an interesting name to consider when the selectors turn their attention to the outstanding individual performers of the season.

 

4. Neliswa Dhlamini — Hardrock FC

 

Neliswa Dhlamini has arguably been one of the most influential midfielders in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

 

The Eswatini international has played a central role in Hardrock FC’s impressive campaign, showcasing his ability to control the midfield, dictate the tempo and create connections between the defensive and attacking departments.

 

His contribution cannot simply be measured through goals and assists. Dhlamini’s biggest strength lies in his understanding of the game, distribution and ability to influence how his team approaches matches.

 

Under Kelvin Kaindu, he has become an important component of a Hardrock side that has challenged for domestic honours.

 

His influence has also been evident in the club’s run to the Chibuku Super Cup final, while the Kwekwe-based outfit remains in contention for the league championship.

 

The possibility of Hardrock securing the PSL title against FC Platinum on the final day could further strengthen his individual award credentials.

 

Midfielders have previously demonstrated that they can compete for the country’s biggest individual football honour, and Dhlamini has certainly produced performances worthy of such recognition.

 

5. Washington Navaya — Hardrock FC

 

When the discussion turns to goalscoring excellence, Washington Navaya is undoubtedly one of the first names that comes to mind.

 

Popularly known as ‘The Navigator’, the Hardrock FC striker has once again demonstrated his remarkable instinct in front of goal, continuing to torment opposition defences throughout the season.

 

Having collected the 2025 Soccer Star of the Year award after scoring 17 league goals, Navaya has matched that impressive tally again this season with one match still to play.

 

What makes his achievement even more impressive is his ability to maintain such standards following his switch from TelOne FC to Hardrock FC.

 

Changing clubs can sometimes affect a player’s rhythm and performances, but Navaya has adapted remarkably well, continuing to deliver the goals that have made him one of the league’s most feared forwards.

 

His contribution has been particularly important to Hardrock’s championship ambitions, with his goals playing a major role in the club’s impressive campaign.

 

Navaya is therefore not only competing for another Golden Boot but also positioning himself for a possible second consecutive Soccer Star of the Year crown.

 

Retaining the award would be a significant achievement and further cement his status among the leading performers in Zimbabwean football.

The 2026 Soccer Star of the Year race promises to be an intriguing contest, with several players having produced performances worthy of recognition.

 

Navaya and Dhlamini appear to have particularly strong cases, especially considering Hardrock’s remarkable campaign. However, Tshuma, Landu and Gurende have also demonstrated why individual excellence should not be judged solely by a team’s position on the league table.

 

Ultimately, the final decision will rest with the selectors, but one thing is certain: Zimbabwean football has witnessed several outstanding individual performances this season.

 

Will Navaya make history by retaining his crown? Could Dhlamini emerge as the midfield general who takes home the prize, or will an outsider steal the show?

 

Who is your 2026 Soccer Star of the Year?