Dar es Salaam. The 2024/25 NBC Premier League season has officially come to an end, but the debate on who deserves the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is just heating up.
Football fans, analysts, coaches, and even players themselves are split in opinion over who should take the crown between two standout Ivorian stars Pacome Zouzoua of Yanga SC and Charles Jean Ahoua of Simba SC.
In a season filled with fierce competition right down to the final matchday, both players made undeniable impacts on their teams’ campaigns.
Yanga SC clinched their fourth consecutive league title finishing with 82 points, while Simba SC settled for second place with 78 points only four adrift.
However, while league titles are won collectively, the MVP is an individual accolade. It’s awarded to the player who influenced the game most significantly someone who delivered consistently, inspired others, made decisive plays, and led from the front throughout the season.
This is where Pacome Zouzoua and Charles Jean Ahoua’s names clash in a footballing duel of merit.
Stats Showdown: Goals and Assists
Charles Jean Ahoua, who joined Simba at the start of the season from Ivory Coast, proved to be a revelation in front of goal.
He finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 16 goals, adding 9 assists, tallying an impressive 25 direct goal contributions for Simba. His goals came in all forms long-range strikes, headers, and penalty conversions, showcasing his all-round attacking ability.
Pacome Zouzoua, in his second season with Yanga, delivered a more balanced yet influential role in midfield and attack. He scored 12 goals and also registered 10 assists, amounting to 22 goal contributions.
While Ahoua leads the numbers game, the MVP debate isn’t a statistics-only discussion.
The Big Games Factor
In elite football, it’s not just about the quantity of your goals it’s about when and where you deliver them.
On the final matchday, a title decider between Yanga and Simba, all eyes were on the stars. Pacome stepped up under pressure, scoring a penalty in the 67th minute and assisting the second goal in the 88th minute for Clement Mzize.
His performance sealed the league title and earned him Man of the Match honors on the biggest stage of the season.
Ahoua, on the other hand, failed to rise to the occasion. He struggled throughout the match, lost possession frequently, and was substituted in the 60th minute. It was a moment many believed could have solidified his MVP credentials but it slipped away.
Impact throughout the Season
Over the course of the season, Zouzoua was named Man of the Match nine times, more than any other player.
Ahoua claimed that recognition five times, underlining Pacome’s consistent game-changing presence.
Leadership, Creativity, and Work Rate
MVP isn’t just about goals and assists. It’s also about intangible qualities leadership, creativity, determination, and influence.
Zouzoua has been the engine of Yanga’s attacking play. His versatility, ability to switch positions, and fearless approach made him a central figure. His flair, vision, and game intelligence elevated the players around him.
Recently, Yanga’s assistant coach Hamdi said: “Pacome is more than an attacking midfielder he breathes the game. He leads by example and always makes the right decisions under pressure. These are the kind of players you need to win titles.”
While Ahoua shined in many matches, he also disappeared in several key fixtures, especially against top sides. Some analysts have labelled him a “small match player.”
Voices from the Players
Speaking after the final game, Pacome Zouzoua humbly stated:
“It was a tough but beautiful season. We fought as a team, learned from every game, and I’m proud to contribute to Yanga’s success. Individual awards are just a bonus; winning the league is the biggest prize. If I’m named MVP, I’ll be very grateful.”
Charles Jean Ahoua also shared his thoughts: “I came to Simba with big goals. Scoring 16 goals and assisting 9 more isn’t easy. We aimed for the title and narrowly missed out. As for the MVP, I gave my best for Simba and would be honoured if my efforts are recognised.”
What Analysts Say
Former Mtibwa Sugar and Gwambina coach Mohammed Badru is firmly in Pacome’s corner.
“My MVP this season is Pacome. When Ahoua was scoring hat-tricks against mid-table sides, Pacome was turning up against the likes of Azam and Simba.”
Meanwhile, former Simba Queens coach Matty Mseti believes Ahoua deserves it:
“To me, Ahoua is the MVP. Without him, Simba’s season would have been worse. He’s a clinical finisher, tireless worker, and always dangerous.”
History and the MVP Trend
Historically, the MVP award in Tanzania’s top flight has often gone to players from the title-winning team. Last season, Stephane Aziz Ki won it for Yanga. Before him, Clatous Chama earned the accolade during Simba’s golden run.
Given this pattern, Pacome Zouzoua appears to have the edge, not just due to Yanga’s success but also his leadership, consistency, and decisive moments in the season.
As the football fraternity awaits the official announcement, one thing is clear both players lit up the 2024/25 season. But only one can walk away with the MVP crown. Will it be the goal king Ahoua or the midfield maestro Pacome?
