Kwekwe — Malawi international and Caps United striker Joseph Kamwendo is tipped to scoop the Buddie 2005 Soccer Star of the Year award, after being named one of 11 top players of the season by Zimbabwe sportswriters in Kwekwe yesterday.

Kamwendo, the reigning Malawi soccer star, is set to be the first foreigner to scoop the award in its 36-year history, after emerging favourite among the panel of journalists who had converged in the Midlands city to choose the excelling players of the 2005 soccer season.

The skilful striker however faces stiff challenge from Highlanders' Chipo Tsodzo and Buymore's Gift Muzadzi, who also featured strongly at the indaba to determine the recipient of Zimbabwe's most prestigious individual football award.

Widely tipped to be in the race for the big prize was Bosso's Gilbert Banda, but the vote had to be re-run after he tied 10-10 with Black Rhinos' Kastigu Juwankinyu, to scrap through into the chosen group.

But there was no place for giants like Dynamos and Motor Action, with such minnows as Lancashire Steel, Monomotapa and Buymore making a strong presence among the finalists.

The Steelmen weighed-in with Wellington Sibanda and Justice Majabvi, while Buymore provided Muzadzi and James Matola.

Monomotapa had a say in the selection, providing exciting hitman Charles Chiutsa. Chapungu gunman Philip Marufu was also rewarded as he gets the chance to grace probably Zimbabwe's most popular wall calendar, which has been part of local soccer since 1969.

Masvingo United skipper Godfrey Dongo and Hwange forward Takesure Chinyama also made the list.

The Soccer Star of the Year and his two runners-up, the Referee and Coach of the Year, will be announced at a special banquet on 9 December.

Finalists:

Chipo Tsodzo, Wellington Sibanda, Takesure Chinyama, Joseph Kamwendo, Justice Majabvi, Charles Chiutsa, Godfrey Dondo, James Matola, Gift Muzadzi, Gilbert Banda, Phillip Marufu.