From near retirement to PSL glory
NGEZI PLATINUM STARS captain and newly crowned Soccer Star of the Year Qadr Amini would want to win his second cup this season when the Premier Soccer League champions clash with Dynamos in the Chibuku Super Cup final at Baobab Stadium this afternoon.
The 33-year-old Amini is the new king of local football and was crowned at a glitzy ceremony in the capital on Friday night.
“Above all, I want to thank my wives; they have helped me a lot. You know what? In our religion, we are allowed to marry many wives and they have been a blessing to me. “There was a time when I was depressed and wanted to quit football, but they kept encouraging me.”
He becomes the 52nd Soccer Star of the Year and latest man to sit on the throne, which was first occupied by the late George “Mastermind” Shaya in 1969.
This is unthinkable, especially for a man who almost quit football before the beginning of the season. No Soccer Star of the Year was crowned in 1997, 1998 and 1999 after the traditional sponsors, Delta Beverages, pulled out following a controversial selection process in 1997. But in a year that he led Ngezi from the front, scoring crucial goals, as well as guiding his fellow teammates, Amini deserved to be crowned king.
THE . . . Qadr Amini (centre) proudly displays the Soccer Star’s trophy, while flanked by runners-up Donald Mudadi (left) and Obriel Chirinda during the Castle Lager Soccer Stars awards night in Harare on Friday. — Picture: Lee Maidza
Madamburo won their first championship since their Premiership debut in 2016 and became the first team from Mashonaland West province to lift a PSL title.
“I am over the moon; it’s like I am dreaming,”Amini said. The former Gunners, Dynamos and FC Platinum star immediately thanked his two wives soon after receiving the Soccer Star of the Year trophy from guest of honour and Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya.
“I want to thank my wives for supporting me through and through,”said Amini.
He won his first league title with Gunners in 2009, when he was only 19, but his career has been that of ups and downs.
He failed to reach his full potential due to a nagging knee injury that troubled him for the better part of the last decade.
In 2011, he was strongly linked with South
African giants Orlando Pirates but the move fell through. However, the gifted left-footer took the challenges in his stride and is now enjoying his moment in the sun. Finally, at 33, he is a Soccer Star of the Year. “I was about to retire this season, but I decided to push on. Now that we have won the league title, I have decided to continue for two more years.
“I also need to play in the CAF
League,” he said.
“Above all, I want to thank my wives; they have helped me a lot. You know what? In our religion, we are allowed to marry many wives and they have been a blessing to me.
“There was a time when I was depressed and wanted to quit football, but they kept encouraging me.”
Amini is still effective and his crosses from the left channel were a constant danger for opponents.
“I am a Muslim and this religion has guided me a lot. I don’t drink, neither do I smoke.”
He scored seven goals and provided several assists as Ngezi romped to victory in the title race that also featured Highlanders, former champions FC Platinum, Dynamos, Manica Diamonds and Chicken Inn.
The Mhondoro miners won the championship with an eight-point gap over second-placed Manica Diamonds.
And their coach Takesure Chiragwi was duly named Coach of the Year.
The champions also had young striker Takunda Benhura walking away with the Golden Boot after scoring 13 goals.
“Most of the credit goes to coach Takesure Chiragwi,”said Amini.
“He said to me, you are the senior guy and you have to push the other players. I did so and we achieved our target.”
Dynamos midfielder Donald Mudadi was the first runner-up, while Bulawayo Chiefs talisman Obriel Chirinda, who scored 12 goals, was the second runner-up.
Tinotenda Benza of Herentals, who made two appearances in a row on the calendar, also won the Fans’Choice award for the second successive season.
DeMbare’s rising forward Elton Chikona won the Most Promising Player award.
Highlanders’veteran keeper Ariel Sibanda, who has now appeared on the calendar on four occasions since 2011, won the Golden Glove. Consistent CAF panel official Brighton Chimene claimed the Referee of the Year gong.
Soccer Star of the Year finalists
Qadr Amini (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs), Tinotenda Benza (Herentals), Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders), Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Michael Charamba (Chicken Inn), Takunda Benhura (Ngezi Platinum Stars)