Banda crowned Chipembere player of the year

FARAI Banda was crowned the Black Rhinos’ Player of the Year at an awards ceremony held at Shilor Gardens in Harare on Thursday.

Banda has been outstanding throughout the season as he helped the army side finish on position nine in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League in the justended season.

He also chipped in with crucial assists as his team transformed into a force to reckon with, especially in the second half of the season when they brought on board the legendary Stanford “Stix” Mutizwa as their head coach.

Speaking after the ceremony, Banda, who has been with ‘’Chauya Chipembere’’ since 2017, said he felt honoured to win the Player of the Year after coming out as a runner-up in 2019.

“I am grateful for such an honour and it was not going to be easy without the support I got from my teammates and the technical team. I also want to thank the executive for organising the ceremony, it makes us feel worthy as players and it is my belief that we continue to work hard as footballers.

“The journey was not easy as the captain but I worked hard to motivate the players. There were some difficult times when results did not come when we needed them most but as a leader I encouraged the boys to soldier on,” said Banda.

For his efforts he walked home US$ 600 richer as Brighton Christopher was the runner-up.

Long- serving member Allan Gahadzikwa walked away with the Most Loyal Player away with 15-year-old Precipe Magodo getting the Most Promising Player accolade.

Gracious Nleya was voted the Most Disciplined Player while Prince Milazi was the Most Improved Player.

Christopher played well throughout the season and managed to push the army side with some brilliant performances towards the end of the season.

The awards were sponsored by Bell Petroleum with Romapix Construction coming on board with the top goalscorer award.

Romapix Construction, through their marketing and sells executive, Lennon Muchingadare, pledged a residential stand that the club will give toa player they will sign for the next season. Black Rhinos Awards winners Player’s Player of the Year: Gareth Madhake and Keith Madera $ US350 each

Club’s Player of the Year: Farai Banda US$ 600 Player of the Year runner-up: Brighton Christopher

400

Most Disciplined Player: Gracious Nleya US$ 400 Most Promising Player: Precipe Magodo US$ 350 Goalkeeper of the Year: Blessing Mwandimutsira and Stanley Chakwana US$ 400 each

Most Loyal Player: Allan Gahadzikwa US$ 400 Top Goalscorer: Elie Ilunga US$ 400

Most Improved Player: Prince Milazi 400