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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS supporters yesterday paid tribute to inspirational goalkeeper, Ariel Sibanda naming him the club’s Player of the Year and rewarding him with a trophy and $100.
Mangoye, as Sibanda is popularly known, received the miniature trophy that is emblazoned with his picture at the club offices from the fans grouping, Bosso Bulletin.
Sibanda was named the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year this season and was the only Highlanders player to make it into the 2018 Soccer Stars of the Year finalists.
With 16 clean sheets to his name, Sibanda walked away with the accolade for the second time after having received the gong in 2012. Bosso Bulletin spokesman, Mojalifa Mokwele said they were impressed by Sibanda’s exploits and had named him the club’s Player of the Year before the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Stars selection panel had met.
“You (Ariel) have done well this year and we are happy to present this small token of appreciation to you as a way of showing our gratefulness for the efforts that you made in the field this year.
“You were certainly outstanding and we were not surprised that you were included in this year’s Soccer Stars’ finalists and named the goalkeeper of the year,” he said.
Sibanda expressed his gratitude to the supporters saying it will be a motivation not only to him but also other Highlanders players to do well next season.
“The fact that you giving me this award despite the fact the club did not win anything is a great honour for me and it will certainly prove a motivation not only to me but other players as well,” he said.
Team manager, Vezigama Dlodlo thanked Bosso Bulletin for their continued support for the club and urged them to continue in the vein.
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Online Reporter