For Bello, Soccer Star nomination is everything
AT 38, FC Platinum defender Gift Bello could be the oldest player ever to make it on the Soccer Star of the Year calendar.
The pint-sized former Dynamos centre-back was voted on the 2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League best 11 players yesterday.
Eighty-six professionals, including 50 journalists, 18 coaches and as many captains from the Premiership clubs, cast their votes electronically for the second season running.
And Bello, who was one of the outsiders prior to voting, tallied just enough numbers to make it on the exclusive list.
It’s even sweeter given Bello has just won a record-equalling seventh league title.
Described by many as one of the most intelligent defenders of all time, Bello helped FC Platinum win their fourth league title which is his seventh in his career having won the other three with Dynamos between 2011 and 2013.
Only CAPS United midfielder Devon Chafa has won seven league titles in the history of the modern Premiership, at least.
Besides Bello, Soccer Star of the Year favourite and teammate Walter Musona as well as goalkeeper Wallace Magalane made it to the list from the Zvishavane club.
William Manondo of CAPS United, who most feel should win the big one, easily made it into the best 11 with the Ngezi Platinum pair of Goalkeeper of the Year front-runner Nelson Chadya and Delic Murimba also making the calendar. Herentals striker Tino Benza, Devine Mhindirira of Highlanders, Chicken Inn’s Brian Muza and Eli Ilunga of Black Rhinos complete the cast.
Bello said he still can’t believe he made it. “I am humbled by this development. This is my second time to be on the soccer stars’ calendar. In 2013, I managed to make it to the best 11’s list when I was playing for Dynamos.
“What makes my nomination special is the fact that I am one of the few guys to make it to the calendar at the age of 38. With my age, I would have already hung my boots but I still feel very strong to continue playing,” said Bello.
“I would like to thank my teammates who worked really hard to ensure that our team won the league title. We were working towards winning both the league title and the Chibuku Super Cup but unfortunately we failed to defend the latter.
“It’s part of the game and it’s expected, football is always like that. This nomination in the soccer stars of the year buttresses my status as a player and for it to come at a time I have won my seventh league title spices it all up.
“I would like to salute my coach Norman Mapeza and his assistants, the entire FC Platinum management, the fans and the Zvishavane community for their unconditional support. I am thrilled with this nomination.
Chadya, who dwarfed all the goalkeepers in the league with 19 clean sheets, said the nomination is for his teammates.
“For a team that was erratic in terms of form to contribute two players on the calendar means there was still something special which was being done correctly. We finished the season in fourth place which was never our target. We wanted to win the league but somewhere along the way, we faltered and it wasn’t to be,” said Chadya.
“I am very happy I managed to make it on the calendar. Special thanks goes to my teammates whom I have a close bond with as well as the technical team led by coach Takesure Chiragwi.
“I would like to congratulate one of my teammates Delic Murimba for also making it on the calendar. But, overall, the nominations are for the Ngezi Platinum Stars management, fans and the whole Mhondoro community”.
Benza, who fell just short of winning the 2018 Rookie of the Year award, was an elated lot. “This is my biggest achievement since I started playing football. I worked so hard this season as an individual and as a team we managed to finish the league in the top-eight while we also managed to reach the Chibuku Super Cup final.
“I have been working very hard over the years and I can say the hard work is starting to pay off. I feel honoured and humbled to have managed to make it on the calendar. You know, as a player, one always has ambitions and it has always been a huge dream for me to one day make it on the soccer stars calendar,” said Benza.