The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
CHICKEN Inn captain Clemence Matawu will finally grace the Castle Lager Soccer Stars of the Year crowning ceremony in Harare on Friday which he has missed twice in the last two years due to school commitments.
Matawu, a former Soccer Star of the Year has been chosen among the best players in the land for three seasons in a row but never attended any of the awards ceremonies since he was writing examinations at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust). The 2006 Soccer Star of the Year is a third year student at Nust where he is studying for a Bachelor of Applied Science Honours Degree in Sports Science and Coaching.
Since he is on industrial attachment, Matawu is not sitting for examinations at Nust which means he can finally take up his place among the best 11 footballers come Friday.
“It’s a new feeling and an honour to be there after my last attendance was more than a decade ago,’’ Matawu said.
On what has been the secret which kept him going when most players his age have long retired, Matawu said keeping his body in shape is what has prolonged his career. He has no plans to retire anytime soon as he plans to carry on as long as his legs can allow him.
“I don’t have a secret, only that I work very hard to keep my body in shape. I love playing football, I will take it year by year, my legs permitting, I would love to play for forever and ever,’’ he said.
The Bindura-born and Shamva raised star received a perfect 35th birthday present by being chosen among the 11 best footballers for the sixth time. The previous occasions were in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
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