Midfield Murape Murape of Zimbabwe's reigning Dynamos team claimed a prize of $1 billion dollars - Zimbabwean, unfortunately - after being named soccer star of the year at an awards ceremony at the swank Meikles Hotel in Harare Friday evening.

Murape also received a refrigerator while runner-up Obidah Tarumbwa of Highlanders claimed a prize of Z$750 million and a stove. The top cash prize translates into about US$650 on the parallel foreign exchange market at the current cash street rate.

The other nine finalists including Dynamos Captain Justice Majabvi, who placed third, were awarded $300 million apiece.

The award for top scorer of the season went to striker Cuthbert Malajila of Chapunga.

Kenny Maranga was named referee of the year while Dynamos coach David Mandigora was voted coach of the year.

Speaking before the list of winners was disclosed, sports commentator Michael Kariati told reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that Murape performance throughout the season won the hearts of many fans.

CBZ bank, sponsor of the Premier Soccer League, underwrote the award, while the winners were selected by the Zimbabwe Sports Writers Association.

More reports from VOA’s Studio 7 for Zimbabwe…