The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
ALL is in place for the Highlanders Football Club awards set to be held at the Bulawayo Polytechnic School of Hospitality and Tourism on Friday evening.
The dinner and awards night make a return after a four year absence. Acting chairman Modern Ngwenya said they are ready to honour players who excelled this year after the date was moved to accommodate Castle Lager Premier Soccer League awards ceremony. He said space is still available for those interested in attending the combined dinner and awards event.
A table for 10 people on the awards night will be going for $400, while an individual chair costs $50. Ngwenya said they are anticipating a full house as excitement has been stirred by the expected presence of foreign-based club legends Canada-based former goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, Madinda Ndlovu, Peter Ndlovu and Botswana based Lawrence Phiri.
Local based legends such as Mark Watson, Billy Sibanda, Barry Daka and Josiah Nxumalo among others are also expected to be part of the event.
“The players did exceptionally well this year and we decided it would be due reward to hold the awards despite the tight financial situation facing the club. Although we are still to work out the prizes, we are certain there would be monetary rewards for the players,” he said.
Ngwenya said they are happy to extend the honour to the fans as there is a category for the best supporter of the year, a first in the club’s awards. He said they are looking at a fan who attended most of the club’s games including the away matches and was visible.
“The award is meant to recognise the efforts being made by supporters in backing their team and it is unfortunate that we would be able to honour only one fan yet there are lots of passionate supporters who love their team to the core and whose DNA is black and white,” added Ngwenya.
Other awards on offer on the day include Player of the Season, Outstanding Newcomer, Most Promising Player, Most Disciplined Player, Top Goal Scorer, Scorer of the most spectacular goal or goals, Goalkeeper of the Season, Players’ Player of the Year, Captain’s Award, Most Consistent Player, Most Improved Player and Best Junior from Division One.
Life member and former vice-chairman Sikhanyiso Moyo is set to provide the prize to honour the club’s longest serving player with an unbroken 10 year service to Bosso, Erick Mudzingwa.
With Bosso facing financial problems to finance the awards, they approached more than 56 companies to assist in bankrolling the event and provide prizes for the awards. The clubs supporters’ chapters are also set to chip in with South African and Victoria Falls chapters indicating they are planning on sponsoring some of the awards. Players who are likely favourites to grace the podium and pick up accolades at the ceremony include impressive defender Peter Muduhwa, who was selected as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star finalist last Tuesday, his defensive partner Tendai Ndlovu, hard working midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira, Simon Munawa, Mudzingwa, Ariel Sibanda and Prince Dube.
Highlanders last held awards in 2012 when attacking midfielder Masimba Mambare was crowned the club’s Player of the Year at a ceremony held at the clubhouse. Mambare, now with Bosso’s fierce rivals Dynamos pocketed $5 000 as the best player and a further $1 500 for being the Highlanders top goal scorer.
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