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Fungai Muderere
VETERAN Chicken Inn midfielder Clemence Matawu (37) is not entertaining any thought of hanging his boots as he strongly believes his legs can still do the job that made him famous.
Matawu made his Premier Soccer League debut on April 8, 2001 for defunct Motor Action. He played alongside Prince Matore, who has later become his coach at Gamecocks, Francis Jeyman, Salim Milanzi, Alisara Kondowe, Tinashe “Father” Nengomasha, Alvin Ndunduma, Mavuto Chapani, Mike Bingadadi and Edmore Mufema among others.
All have long since retired, but Matawu kicks on.
“I’m not retiring yet. I believe I still have the energy and I will always remain available for Chicken Inn,” said the pint-sized midfielder, a player who has had an 18-year football journey that began at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
The former Warriors player appeared on the Soccer Stars calendar a remarkable five times, winning it once in 2006.
His football expertise has been valued at Gamecocks and it was no wonder to see him bag the chairman’s award worth $2 000 at the club’s end of year awards ceremony that was held last Thursday night at a local hotel.
On the same night, nimble-footed leftback Xolani Ndlovu, scooped the Players’ player of the Year and joint Player of the Year prize together with midfield enforcer Tichaona Chipunza.
Ndlovu, who is part of the Warriors Chan squad, bagged $10 000 for the club’s Players’ player of the year gong and will share $15 000 with Chipunza.
An elated Ndlovu said: “I am very happy to have been recognised in this manner, this is a huge achievement for me, a first of this kind.
Many thanks go to my coaches and teammates who always support me on the field of play. Hopefully, next year will be a better year for the team. I hope to improve from my performance this year and enhance my chances of going to play abroad.”
Ndlovu, who is a product of Zim Leopards, now Bantu Leopards, was one of the surprise omissions on the 2019 Premier Soccer league stars’ calendar. He was one of the most consistent players for the Gamecocks this season.
Chipunza, just like Ndlovu was equally good as well, the defensive midfielder proved to be a vital cog in the Chicken Inn midfield.
Goalkeeper Pride Zendera won the Most Disciplined Player award, taking home $3 000. The most improved player was Nyasha Gurende who walked away with $3 000.
Pacey striker Aubrey Chirinda received the most exciting player accolade which had a $3 000 prize tag.
For his beautiful long-range effort in a game against Hwange at Luveve Stadium, George Majika scooped the goal of the season accolade. With his 14 goals before making a move to the Absa Premiership Clive
Augusto walked away with the top goal scorer gong. The awards were graced by officials from Chicken Inn’s parent company Simbisa, club sponsors Black Sharks Security, Zibuko Capital and Bonvie Medical Aid.
Online Reporter