admin
Bruce Chikuni
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Castle Lager Premiership will conclude this weekend and the Golden Glove is on its way to Bulawayo for the second season in a row.
Highlanders veteran goalie, Ariel Sibanda, was the recipient of this gong last season after recording 19 clean sheets.
Chicken Inn goalkeeper, Donovan Benard has equalled Sibanda’s 2023 tally and has a chance to add one more when they visit Herentals this weekend.
Benard’s closest rival is Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Nelson Chadya, who has kept 17.
Ngezi’s final fixture of the campaign is against CAPS United at Rufaro this weekend.
And, it means even if Chadya manages a clean sheet, Benard will still end the season ahead of him regardless of his performance against the Students.
The Gamecocks’ goalkeepers coach, Energy Murambadoro appears to have punched above his weight for Benard to win this race with a game to play before the season ends.
Many have already started showering Murambadoro with praises for making such a mark with a team that is currently sitting eighth on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.
The reality is, that Chicken Inn were never in contention for the championship this season, and surprisingly, Benard has done tremendous work to outshine his rivals.
If it was in any other country, this award would have been already printed and reserved for Benard as it guaranteed to the goalie who finished the season with the most clean sheets.
But, Murambadoro knows that since the measurement is different locally, Benard’s fate will be decided by journalists, coaches, and club captains who will be tasked to agree on who should take this gong home among all the PSL goalkeepers. Nonetheless, he will be relaxed in knowing that Sibanda won this award last season despite Bosso failing to win the championship.
Murambadoro, who won the league’s 2003 Soccer Star of the Year gong, has improved Benard’s all-time best clean sheets record from 15 to 19 and can be extended to 20 this Saturday.
Benard hails Murambadoro for making him a better goalkeeper.
“I have endured a lot this season, but I am grateful to my coach, Murambadoro for everything he has done for me.
“We still have a game to play and already, even if the season ends today, I can still look back and say that was my best season. I owe it to Murambadoro and our head coach, Joey Antipas who have combined their knowledge to inspire my growth.
“A top-five finish is within reach and everyone knows what is needed for us to make a strong finish, we just have to keep believing that it is possible,” said Benard.
The City of Kings is also already banking on the Golden Boot award.
Highlanders forward, Lynoth Chikuhwa has scored 16 times and is three goals ahead of Khama Billiat of Yadah Stars.
Interestingly, Bosso and the Miracle Boys are set for a date at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Online Reporter