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Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DEFENDER Kudzai Chigwida was the biggest winner after walking away with the Player of the Year award when the miners celebrated their own at a ceremony held at Baobab Stadium yesterday.
The Mhondoro side came disappointingly close to retaining the Premier League title and also saw the opportunity to get a consolation by winning the Chibuku Super Cup slip away when losing on penalties in the final against Dynamos last Saturday.
Despite playing their hearts out in a league contaminated by controversial match officials, Takesure Chiragwi and his men’s efforts were all in vain.
They finished third in the league behind champions Simba Bhora and runners-up FC Platinum, while taking silver in the biggest knock-out tournament in the country, the Chibuku Super Cup and subsequently missed out on CAF tournaments.
In spite of the disappointment, Ngezi Platinum Stars still put together a huge party to celebrate their stars.
And it was the no-nonsense Chigwida who got the ultimate prize, that was won by captain Qadr Amini last season.
“I am super thrilled to win this huge piece,” exclaimed Chigwida.
“I would like to believe that every player at Ngezi Platinum deserves this award because without those 20 other legs, surely I wouldn’t be able to play.
“This is a team sport and the rewards sometimes go to individuals but I think it’s for us all.
“I am extremely happy to get such a prestigious award and it can only propel me to do more.
“My teammates are everything because they also push me to work extra hard. They are always there for me on and off the pitch. You know sometimes you are not in the right mood and they hold your hand and give you reason to be positive.
“Sometimes things do not work out for you in the field of play and they are the ones who keep on cheering you to add onto your confidence. The award is for us all.”
Striker Takunda Benhura defended his Golden Boot prize after scoring 12 goals, one shy of his tally in 2023.
Chigwida’s fellow defender Polite Moyo was rewarded with the Most Disciplined Player’s accolade while Ruchard Hachiro, who was a phenomenon after joining the team this year got the Players’ Player of the Year prize.
Young Tanaka Munemo, as expected, got the Rookie of the Year piece.
Under-19 sensation Enasio Perezu was the development team’s king where McDonald Edsone top-scored.
There were also prizes for Patience Nkomo who was the best player for Ngezi Platinum Queens after leading them to second place in the Northern Region Women’s Division One league and Clementine Mavange got the Golden Boot accolade.
Online Reporter