Tears of joy for Ariel

**Bosso legends (From left) Mark Watson, Douglas Mloyi, Lawrence Phiri, Silas Ndlovu and Vana Hlabangana follow proceedings during the Highlanders dinner and awards ceremony**

Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS FC goalkeeper Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda could not hold back tears when he was named the team’s Player of the Season at a colourful awards ceremony held at Bulawayo Polytechnic’s School of Hospitality and Tourism on Friday night.

Sibanda took time to gain composure from the “overwhelming good news” after master of ceremony, Babongile Skhonjwa called out his name for the top gong.

The Bosso goalie gave arguably the best speech from players as he paid tribute to his teammates, technical department and club sponsors, BancABC for ensuring players’ salaries keep rolling in.

Mangoye, as Sibanda is popularly known, said he did not expect to win the award as he thought it would to go to Peter Muduhwa or Rahman Kutsanzira, who got the Most Improved Player and Players Player awards respectively.

“Honestly I didn’t expect it I thought maybe it was going to Peter or Rahman, all the same I would like to thank the Highlanders family for all the support they gave me, although we did not win the league, I think we really had a good season.

“I am still working on improving my game and maybe next year I can be on the calendar and also win the championship,” he said.

Kutsanzira was also ecstatic about being chosen by his teammates as their best player adding he had shook off the slump in form he experienced in the past two seasons.

Following his return from Caps in 2014, Rakocha failed to reach his full potential but he had a good season this year although he is still to reach his peak.

Vice-captain, Erick “Tsiba” Mudzingwa was rewarded for his loyalty to the club when he received the Longest Serving Player Award that was sponsored by former vice-chairman, Sikhanyiso Moyo.

The ceremony kicked off on what was a history lesson as co-master of ceremony, Andrew Tapela took the audience down memory lane when introducing former players and administrators who graced the occasion.

Among the former players who attended the event were Josiah Nxumalo, Mark Watson, Doubt Sithole, Barry Daka, Billy Sibanda, Douglas Mloyi, Lawrence Phiri, Kynot Luphahla, Edward Dzowa, Silas Ndlovu, Chris Mhlanga and Johannes Tshuma.

Former treasurer and son of Nsele Hlabangana, one of the founding Bosso players, Vana was also in attendance.
Phiri, who was instrumental in bringing the legends together for the “re-union”, said they still had a role to play at Highlanders.

“I think we made a statement to all that we are still here and we are ready to assist by taking the club forward. We believe we still have a role to play and help the club grow,” he said.

Acting chairman, Modern Ngwenya paid tribute to the team for meeting the top four target set at the beginning of the year.

He prayed for better fortunes next year adding unity is key to success at the club.

Guest of honour, Busisa Moyo, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president urged administrators and players to take a leaf from their predecessors and learn from them if they are going to take the club forward.

Moyo, who did not attend the awards, had his speech read by Holiday Inn general manager Chiku Mulinde.

Treasurer, Donald Ndebele made a plea for financial assistance at the end of the awards stating the club finances were dire.

He said they are still in negotiations with their principal sponsor, BancABC as their contract expires this year.

The event was attended by the corporate world and local football personalities who included Methembe Ndlovu, Wilbert Sibanda, former Highlanders chairmen, Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda and Themba Ndlela, former secretary, Nhlanhla Dube.

Several companies, individuals and club chapters came on board to sponsor the prizes, among them Nyaradzo, PPC, Nokel Security, Ingwebu, Holiday Inn and Pub La Gondola.

FULL AWARDS

Player of the Season

Ariel Sibanda

Players Player

Rahman Kutsanzira

Top Goal Scorer

Bruce Kangwa

Most Disciplined Player

Tendai Ngulube

Longest Serving Player

Erick Mudzingwa

Most Consistent Player