MAGICAL MANONDO. . . Lodza heaps praises on his starman

Curtworth Masango

CAPS United coach, Lloyd Chitembwe, believes striker William Manondo deserves special mention for his exploits this season.

The Green Machine struggled and spent most of the season fighting relegation.

Makepekepe endured a seven-game losing streak, their worst patch in top-flight football.

Players also boycotted training sessions, now and again, over unpaid dues.

They, however, managed to finish 11th with 40 points, just five points above relegated Harare City.

“The most difficult thing to do is to score a goal,” said Chitembwe.

“It’s easy to defend, easy to just play football, but not to score.

“William managed to score 17 goals for this team while we were struggling.

“Imagine if the team was doing well?”

He added:

“So, I think he deserves special mention.

“We also have to give credit to the team.

“They made the whole thing easy for him.

William was a perfect example of a professional. “His conduct at training and in matches was awesome.”

Chitembwe feels model professionals should be rewarded, especially when they do well.

“I never had problems with him,” he said.

“He was focused from the first day and he knew what he wanted and I am happy he managed to achieve what he wanted – to become the top goal scorer in the league.”

Manondo is also on the Castle Lager Soccer Stars of the Year list, and is one of the favourites to scoop the big prize.

Chitembwe said he wants to relax after a tough season although it would be short-lived as he has to start preparations for the coming campaign.

“The season was very long. It seems like there were two seasons for me.

“So, I will take this time to relax, but the other season starts right now and I am taking note of that.”