dyton mupawaenda
Bruce Chikuni, Sport Reporter
THE Castle Lager Premiership has finally acknowledged photographers are important for the development of the game.
After an outcry by the media, PSL has roped in three sports photographers into their voting panel, which selects the league’s Coach of the Month, Player of the Month and the best 11 players at the end of the season.
Liberty ‘Libertino’ Mugari, Knowledge Chingwecha, and Munashe Chokodza are the photographers who were added to the panel, which consists of sports journalists, coaches and club captains.
The decision not to incoporate photographers was despite the fact that they play a big role in capturing the game’s memories.
Chingwecha, the senior of the trio, says they feel honoured and appreciated.
“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to be part of the Soccer Stars of the Year voting panel. This is something big for all photographers, but it always feels good when your efforts are being appreciated,” said Chingwecha.
“This is a powerful recognition of the role we, as photographers, play in telling the story of the beautiful game. Every image captured on and off the pitch adds depth, emotion and history to our sport.
“Being on this panel is a proud moment; it changes how we feel, as far as being appreciated is concerned.”
The development comes at a time when there has been a marked decline for specilaists sports photographers with Mugari in particilar dominating the area.
In South Africa, sports photographers like Vino Snap and Mutalusi “Mazilitha” Phalandwa have attracted millions of followers through their craft.
Recently, one of the most celebrated sportscasters in Mzansi, Robert Marawa, reportedly facilitated a trip for Vino Snap to cover an English Premier League match as a way to appreciate his passion.
Online Reporter