Nokel to double prize for 22 goals scored

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
SOUTHERN Region Division One Soccer League monthly sponsors for the Top Goal Scorer award, Nokel Security, will double the prize money for the player who scores 22 league goals this season. Nokel Security has been giving away $150 for the leading monthly top scorer. Kenneth Mhlophe, Nokel Security director said his company will add $200 to the $150 prize money set aside for the league’s leading marksman at the end of the season should he beat the 22-goal mark.

“We hope the award will motivate strikers to work harder and surpass the 10 goals that were scored last year by former Bulawayo Chiefs’ striker Ishmael Wadi. On top of the $150 that we award to the overall top goal scorer at the end of the year, the player who scores 22 goals or more will walk away with $200. The reason why we’ve set a bonus for 22-goal mark is that even in the Premiership goals run out in the second half and it is goals that make football exciting,” Mhlophe said.

Wadi, an attacking midfielder now turns out for FC Platinum and has of late been commanding a regular starting place.

In 2014, Southern Region’s top goal scorer was former Tsholotsho FC forward Edmore Chirambadare with 14 goals. Chirambadare’s goal poaching prowess saw him land at Chicken Inn where he helped them win the 2015 PSL championship and now plays for South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.

Tashinga Mungadze of Black Boots is presently leading the Southern Region Soccer League top scorer’s chart with nine goals from 14 games. Mungadze winner of the June award can surpass the 22-goal mark should he maintain his form and barring injuries.

Nhlanhla Ndlovu of Amagagasi who joined Highlanders a fortnight ago left the Victoria Falls club having scored eight goals. The other players that might fancy chances of winning the accolade include Lungile Nyathi of Amagagasi, Bantu Rovers’ Fortune Nkomazana and Carlos Dube from Victoria Falls Tigers who are all tied on six goals.

Meanwhile, Zifa Southern Region chairman Musa Mandaza welcomed the development and said they are working on getting sponsorship for outstanding goalkeepers.

“It is pleasing to see our sponsor committing more to our league. Obviously, this is a shot in the arm for our league because it means we will see more goals in the second half and it is goals that people want to see. We’re also working hard to try and get more sponsors for individual accolades like the best goalkeeper, defender and midfielder,” said Mandaza. — @ZililoR