Holiday home stands and big-money deals stole the spotlight at the Zifa Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) Division One end-of-season awards, as the newly elected board hit the ground running with one of the most lucrative sponsorship packages in domestic football history. Newly elected chairperson Sweeney Mushonga and his board — vice-chairperson Cuthbert Chitima and committee members Desmond Ali, John Remba, Rumbidzai Muyambuki and Gilbert Chiminya — wasted no time putting their stamp on the league.
At a glitzy awards ceremony in Harare on Saturday night, the board announced a landmark title sponsorship deal with MCM Estates. Unlike traditional corporate deals, which often focus on administrative costs, this partnership directly rewards the players and coaches who drive the league.
The 2025 annual player awards doubled as a celebration of the new sponsorship, with life-changing prizes on offer.
Grey Kufandada, the talisman who fired Agama FC into the top flight, was the undisputed king of the night.
After bagging the Golden Boot with 17 goals, Kufandada was crowned Soccer Star of the Season.
For his exploits, he walked away with two holiday home stands at the Chesa Wildlife Resort in Mt Darwin, with a combined valuation of US$48 000.
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Kufandada edged out stiff competition for the top prize, beating Emmanuel Zinyama (first runner-up), who also received a holiday home stand valued at US$24 000.
Trevor Bhunu came third.
The land rush didn't stop with the Soccer Star and his first runner-up.
Several other key figures in the league’s successful 2025 campaign were recognised for their excellence.
Coach of the Year, Paul Chimalizeni, was rewarded with a holiday home stand for guiding his side, Agama, to Premier League promotion.
Goalkeeper of the Year Wilson Brown received a stand for his heroics between the sticks, while young prospect Tendai Kamwanda of Ngezi Platinum Stars U19 player also secured a stand after picking the Rookie of the Year award.
In a gesture of administrative support, MCM Estates also gifted the NRSL board itself two stands.
NRSL said the partnership with MCM Estates is not just a one-off celebration.
It said the deal introduces a robust monthly incentive structure to keep the competitive fire burning throughout the 2026 season.
There would be monthly cash prizes of US$350 each for Coach of the Month, Player of the Month, Top Goalscorer of the Month and the Goalkeeper of the Month.
The package also covers the full costs of the 2026 annual awards ceremony and includes an immediate US$2 000 "goodwill" signing gesture to the league.
This massive injection of money and assets is expected to significantly boost the NRSL’s profile, making it arguably the most attractive lower-division league in the country while providing players with tangible, long-term security through property ownership.
2025 NRSL Soccer Star finalists: Grey Kufandada, Trevor Bhunu, Tinashe Balakasi, Mclive Phiri, Ignatius Mavende, Wilson Brown, Emmanuel Zinyama, Brandon Mpofu, Marlon Maziriri, Ashwin Chihowa, Junior Meya