adminMukamba went for trials in South Africa early this year but failed to make it and already a number of South African clubs are after his signature.
He has already been to South Africa this month.
“I am not South African material even though I have been there for trials before. Personally I think my destiny is Europe and that is where I will go,” said Mukamba during an interview with Chronicle Sport just before he was crowned the king of Zimbabwean football at a glittering ceremony in Harare on Friday evening.
The lanky Mukamba said he felt challenged by the wise words of legendary Peter Ndlovu that players should aim higher and be themselves instead of trying to imitate him.
“People should expect to see Mukamba playing at the highest level in Europe, especially in England and that is not wishful thinking. I however have to work extra hard if my dream has to become a reality,” said Mukamba.
Mukamba pipped Highlanders’ Masimba Mambare who was first runner-up and Monomotapa’s Ronald Chitiyo who came third.
He played a leading role as DeMbare clinched the double for the second year running, successfully defending the league title and the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
“I am really delighted by winning the Soccer Star of the Year award, with the hard work I put in and the way I ended the season I think I deserved it. All I want to do now is keep focused on my football, competition is good in football so I would like to urge my runners-up to pull up their socks,” said the soft-spoken midfield genius.
The 20-year-old revealed that he had learnt from the mistakes he made last year .
First runner-up Mambare who was also heavily tipped to walk away with the biggest prize said he felt honoured despite coming second. He believes that the runner-up award will inspire him to work even harder next season.
“I feel honoured to be among the best in Zimbabwe. Everyone wants to be at the top but when things don’t go my way I accept it. This will motivate me to work even harder, there is always next time and I believe I can win it in future if I play better than I did,” said the player who has endeared himself with Bosso fans.
For being the best player this season, Mukamba took home $5 000, Mambare won himself $3 000 while Chitiyo received $2 000. The other eight finalists received $1 000 each. Dynamos coach Pasuwa who bagged the double for the second year running was adjudged the best coach and received $2 000.
Kudakwashe Mahachi of Chicken Inn collected $2 000 for being the most promising player, Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda also received $2 000 for being Goalkeeper of the Year.
Shabanie Mine striker Nelson Maziwisa, the leading goalscorer this season with 18 goals to his name got $3 000.
The most disciplined team accolade which carried a cash prize of $10 000 went to Monomotapa with Ruzive Ruzive landing the Referee of the Year award which saw him walk away with $2 000.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter