The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube recently in Harare, Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS defender Peter Muduhwa and young sensation Prince Dube, who were among players honoured for excelling in the 2016 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, last Friday, are eager to improve their performance next year.
Muduhwa was among the Soccer Star finalists while Dube was named the Most Promising Under-20 Player at a glittering ceremony held at a hotel in Harare on Friday.
Speaking after receiving their honours, the players said being part of the football royalty would spur them to achieve more next year.
The hard working central defender said while he did not have a dream start to the season as he started off the bench, he realised towards the end of the year that his performance deserved recognition.
Muduhwa, however, said while he was happy to be among the country’s top 11 footballers, next year he is aiming for the biggest accolade, the Soccer Star of the Year.
“Winning this award is a motivating factor for me to perform better next year. Look at (2016 Soccer Star of the year, Hardlife) Zvirekwi, he played well and was rewarded for his efforts and I think I can also do that, I just have to work harder.
“It is always great when you are awarded for doing well but there is always room for improvement and the need to be consistent, I won’t sit on my laurels,” he said.
Dube, who will be leaving tomorrow with the Under-20 national team for the Cosafa Championships in South Africa, said he felt proud of his achievement adding he believes his exploits during the season earned him the top gong among PSL players aged 20 and below.
Muduhwa started off on the bench but grabbed the opportunity with both hands when he was given a starting berth gaining a first team place and proving a vital cog in the heart of the Bosso defence, earning the nickname “Mduli” (wall in isiNdebele) in recognition of how he made it difficult for strikers to get past him.
Dube was taken aboard by Highlanders who were under Bongani Mafu then who recommended him to the juniors where he shone like a beacon, prompting the coaches to promote him to the first team this season.
He had a decent season and although he did not find the back of the net regularly, he contributed to nearly all the goals that Highlanders scored this season. His goal against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium will remain entrenched in the hearts of Highlanders supporters.
