adminCup player of the tournament despite his team going down 1-0 to Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium.
Gahadzikwa also finished as the joint Golden Boot Award with Gunners’ Lloyd Masakusi, Nelson Mazivisa of Kiglon and Felix Kuswatuka of Blue Ribbon as they scored two goals apiece.
Dynamos’ gangly striker and Premierhip Golden Boot Award winner Roderick Mutuma, who scored the priceless goal that sunk the Mighty Bulls in yesterday’s final, also took his tally to two goals in the tournament.
For winning the Mbada Diamonds player of the tournament award, Gahadzikwa pocketed US$1 500 and said he was happy with his performance but highlighted the disappointment of losing the cup to the Harare giants.
“I’m happy for winning the award but it would have been even better if we had lifted the trophy.
“It’s good to be mentioned as an individual in such a glamorous tournament but its team work that counts above all.
“After losing to Dynamos at Rufaro in the league game, this was the right time to hit back but it’s unfortunate we ended up on the receiving end again,” said Gahadzikwa.
The Mighty Bulls’ engine room feels they threw everything they had to win the match but it was not their day after failing to convert numerous chances that came their way and went begging.
“We played very well but failed to convert our chances and in football you get penalised for that which was our case today.
“We played well and tried to come back into the game but it was not just our day.
“We wanted to end the season on a high but we were unlucky to have lost to Dynamos in game that l felt we dominated for the better part of the play,” added Gahadzikwa.
Dynamos’ goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who has also made it on to the Soccer Stars list, was voted the Goalkeeper of the tournament after keeping four clean sheets in as many matches in the tournament.
Arubi produced an outstanding performance yesterday in a winning cause for DeMbare thwarting Motor Action’s raids and walked away US$1 000 richer for his performance throughout the tournament.
“Sekuru Gudo” – as he is affectionately known by his legion of fans -did not concede a goal in 360 minutes between the posts in the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
Arubi could not hide his joy after the match.
“I’m happy to have won a double because we have achieved our dream as a team. Team work contributed much to our success this season and our fans who had been behind us through thick and thin, l dedicate this win to them,” said Arubi.
He said he was happy to have been selected among the Soccer Stars of the year following last year’s disappointment.
“l have waited for this moment in the past six years and l am happy to have been recognised at last.
“Last year’s events actually encouraged me to work harder and I am glad God has opened doors for me this time around,” said Arubi.
Mutuma, who joined Arubi in celebrating double delight, pocketed US$500 for scoring the last goal of the tournament something that has never happened in our local football in any knockout tournament.
Meanwhile 26 500 fans paid to watch the Mbada Diamonds Cup final, which grossed US$77 000 with the two finalists realising a net of US$40 000.
Online Reporter