Southern region league applauded for being organised

Story by Grace Sibanda

SOUTHERN region division one league outfit were crowned the 2023 Soccer Team of the Year at the annual awards ceremony held in Bulawayo last night.

Arenel were the most prominent team of the night with the accolades of Goalkeeper of the year and soccer star of the year going to their goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya, while coach of the year went to coach Kudzai Mhandire.

Players, coaches, referees and supporters converged in Bulawayo last night in celebration of good sportsmanship exhibited by teams in the 2023 Southern Region Division One League football year.

Winners were elated and encouraged other youngsters who dream of being football stars, to invest in their dreams.

“I am a young boy from Plumtree and I have nothing but big dreams, winning today is not the end but the beginning of many more to come. Football is my life,” said one of the winners.

Another added, “I am so excited for this win, it goes to show that we are a force to reckon with.”

“This win goes to all those who look up to me, to a young man who has been watching me from day 1, I would like to say, your dreams can and will come true as mine are,” said another winner.

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) normalisation committee member Mr Skhumbuzo Ndebele, applauded the southern region football league for being organised, while encouraging other teams to have proper structures so as to match international standards.

“I would like to applaude the southern region for being the most organised in division one. I encourage more division one teams to have proper structures so that they can be recognised by ZIFA and FIFA as well,” he said.

Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC)Administrator Mr Simba Sam Dzvimbu issued a strong warning against the use of drug and substance abuse in sports, especially for upcoming sportsmen and women.

“Everyone here has done very well but allow me to take this time to warn strongly against drugs and substance abuse, many footballers and sports people have fallen due to drugs, do not be caught unaware and spoil your budding careers by using drugs,” he said.

Twenty –two old Proud Khuphe scooped top goal scorer of the 2023 season.

In the media category, ZBC`s Mthokozisi Dube walked away with the award for journalist of the year for his exceptional performance in the 2023 Southern Region soccer league.