WISH HIS DAD WAS HERE

Bruce Chikuni

FC PLATINUM forward Walter Musona’s mother, Janet, has hailed her son as a brave man after he scooped the Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year award on Friday.

William Manondo of CAPS United, won the first runner-up prize and Frank Makarati of Dynamos secured the second runner-up.

Musona and his runners-up were voted for by PSL coaches, club captains and sports journalists.

Early into the just-ended season, Musona took the bold decision of making a return to Mandava from South Africa, after enduring a series of career-threatening injuries.

He was described as a flop and many were convinced that it was the end of his career.

Even the FC Platinum executive was also hesitant to invest in him.

He spent two months at their base under the microscope of the team’s leadership, but still, they were not convinced until coach, Norman Mapeza, intervened.

He saw little action in the first half of the season, but he soon forced his way into the starting 11 towards the mid-season break.

The 26-year-old never looked back and went on to net 14 times. Half of his goals were key in deciding the championship.

In fact, he scored 10 times after the recess and no player matched his tally.

His mother, who was present at the awards night, was in tears as she saw her last born walking to the podium to collect his medal of honor.

“I cannot express what I’m feeling at the moment. I wasn’t expecting this when I came to this occasion and I believe God is fully involved.

“When Walter returned from South Africa, I was scared that he was going to quit because of what was being said about him, but he battled the odds like a man.”

She added:

“I would have wished his late father was here witnessing what his boys are doing because he was really passionate about football.

“But, I hope wherever he is, he is happy with what Knowledge and Walter are doing in their careers. “All their late father ever wanted was to see the two being excellent at school and in careers of their choice.

“And, their childhood was a bit difficult because they were more into football and their father would restrict them from playing football, but they kept insisting that it was their dream.”

She said things have gone according to plan for the brothers. “I’m very happy for them and I hope they will continue excelling.

“I also want to urge parents to support their children in pursuit of their dreams.

“I want to give special mention to their sisters, Winnie and Patience, for being supportive of their brothers.”

Walter is the younger brother of former Warriors’ captain, Knowledge.

He has now stepped out of his brother’s shadow by winning the Soccer Star of the Year award.

Walter is now also the first player from AYSA Academy to win the award.

H-Metro Editor Robson Sharuko was given a special honour by PSL’s flagship sponsors, Delta Beverages, for service to sports journalism in this country.