Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS goalkeeper Aron “Arusha” Ngwenya has become the inaugural winner of the Meat World Butchery Player of the Match award after his match-winning performance against Chicken Inn in the Chibuku Super Cup on Sunday.
Ngwenya was instrumental as Bosso edged their city rivals 3-1 on penalties following a goalless 90 minutes at Barbourfields Stadium.
The goalkeeper saved penalties from Tulani Joseph and Michael Charamba before Donovan Bernard struck the crossbar, helping Highlanders book their place in the next round.
The award was initially designed to reward goalscorers and assist providers, with the scorer and assister each set to receive US$50 per match.
However, Meat World Butchery decided to broaden the criteria after recognising the impact goalkeepers can have on matches.
Clean sheets and outstanding individual performances will now also be considered, with Ngwenya becoming the first beneficiary.
With neither side finding the net in Sunday’s cup tie, Ngwenya walked away with US$100.
Meat World Butchery’s Nhlanhla Sibanda said the initiative was also intended to give the Highlanders players additional motivation during a challenging period for the club.
“This is part of us helping Highlanders keep up during this difficult time where the financial situation is not looking positive. It was our hope that this will boost the confidence of the team,” said Sibanda.
Ngwenya dedicated the award to those who contributed to his performance.
“I am grateful to my teammates, coaches and supporters who helped me make this possible,” said Ngwenya.
Meat World Butchery have partnered Highlanders for the remainder of the season, with the award set to cover both league and cup matches.
The sponsors have also indicated that there is a possibility of renewing the partnership at the beginning of next season.
The initiative gives Highlanders players another incentive to produce outstanding performances, while rewarding contributions that may otherwise go unnoticed.
For Ngwenya, his heroics in the derby have already earned him the first prize, and a place in the club’s history as the inaugural winner of the Meat World Butchey Player of the Match award.
