daniel chigunwe
Oscar Rusenga in TRIANGLE
VETERAN forward Ali Sadiki, who is turning 38 next year, has been named Player of the Year in the ZIFA Eastern Region Soccer League Division One championship race.
The league held their annual awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding players during the just-ended season.
Triangle United clinched the sole ticket to Premiership by beating Wangu Mazodze on goal difference.
ZIFA CEO Yvonne Manwa, ZIFA Eastern Region chairman Davison Muchena and Referees chief Norman Matemera were among high-profile guests who graced the ceremony at Triangle Country Club.
Sadiki, one of the stars at Triangle, scooped the biggest award as he was crowned the best player in the league.
Tawanda Chatuluka of Hunters and David Chirandu of Destiny were the first and second runners-up.
Sadiki, who will turn 38 next year, was a very happy man.
“I am very happy to win this award, it’s good motivation to the youngsters. When they see someone like me winning this award, it pushes them to do better.
“Age is just a number, if you work hard you can still make it.
“I still feel I have the legs and the way some people push you shows they still believe in you. I spoke to coach Masomere and he told me I want you to play and give me your best next season, it shows belief.
“Those are the people I don’t need to let down.
“I am from a family of footballers and I have young brothers, Takunda and Issa, and they look up to me as their role model and I have to set the bar high to push them to reach their full potential.”
Masomere was voted the best coach despite taking charge for just 22 games following the sacking of Arthur Tutani. Masomere won 19 of those games, drew twice and lost just once collecting 59 points out of possible 66 points.
“I feel great after winning this award after working so hard with my fellow technical members. We really competed very well to be crowned champions and that’s the most exciting reward that we got this season.
“The season is over and we are now looking forward to the 2025 season which promises to be interesting and we are definitely beefing up our team.”
Other Awards
Most improved Team — FC Hunters
Most Disciplined Team — Surrey
Best Adminstrator — Buffaloes Chairman
Most Promising Player — Eddie Kanyangu (18)
Golden Glove — Junior Mushure
Golden Boot — Tadiwa Mambudzi
Online Reporter