dyton mupawaenda
Curtworth Masango
Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda says it’s a big honour to be named the goalkeeper of the year, a feat he has achieved four times in his illustrious career.
Sibanda, who has now spent 16 years at Bosso, believes his legendary status at the club can only be sealed if he manages to win a title with the club and it’s the driving factor for him to stay and fight for the title with Bosso as he considers it a priority.
Bosso over the years have produced cultic heroes for the club and Sibanda has established himself towards that cap.
Currently, he is the team’s captain. Despite having a fine start with a 19-game unbeaten run, Highlanders faltered along the way as they found themselves crippling in the second half of the season.
Sibanda, who managed 19 clean sheets, was voted goalkeeper of the year and was part of the 2023 soccer stars 11 finalists.
He was also voted thrice before in 2012, 2018 and 2019 to make himself one of the most decorated individuals on the local scene. “It’s a great honour to be voted the goalkeeper of the year but I feel disappointed with how we finished as a team.
“I feel honoured because there are a lot of good goalkeepers in the country, so it’s an honour to be named goalkeeper of the year for the fourth time.
“I am carrying on. I still feel like I can still go on. I haven’t won the league with Highlanders and it’s my main priority.
“I have been with Highlanders for 16 years and without a league title I am just a former player so before I leave, winning the league is a priority. When we started this season no one gave us a chance, everyone was saying it’s an average team. We had a few youngsters coming through and I think they did well despite the injuries that we suffered.
“Next year I think we should beef up one or two players in case we get to the same situation of injuries just like this season, we should correct it next season.
“I would like to urge our fans to come in numbers next season, it’s possible we can do it with their support.
Highlanders finished the season in position five with just 52 points, 14 behind champions Ngezi Platinum. They managed 13 wins, 13 draws and seven losses. This week Highlanders officially announced that they have parted ways with expatriate coach Baltemor Brito.
Online Reporter