By Rangarirai Shanyurai/ Beatific Gumbwanda
Veteran midfielder Ali Sadiki of Triangle United FC scooped the top Eastern Region Soccer League Award after landing the 2024 season soccer star-of-the-year award while his coach Luke Masomere was voted Coach-of-the year last Saturday (December 14) at a colourful event held at Triangle Country Club.
Speaking to TellZim News, Sadiki said he felt honoured to receive the top award especially after winning the league’s sole ticket into the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“I feel motivated by the recognition and am happy about winning the league which allows us to compete in the PSL come 2025. I have received many awards in my life, but this one is particularly special in Division One.
“The awards I have received before include two Chibuku Super Cup, four PSL Awards, two Bop cup award and the FC Platinum player of the year in 2012.
“I still feel I have the legs to carry me forward and the way some people push you shows they still believe in you. I promise to make our fans happy as our squad has shown how good a side we are,” said Sadiki.
On his part Masomere said he was delighted that his side was crowned ERSL Champions ahead of Wangu Mazodze FC after having joined the team mid-season.
“I feel great after working so hard for the remainder of the season. I came here midway through the season and we did well as a team. I am happy for myself and the rest of the team to be crowned the champions of the 2024 season,” said Masomere.
ZIFA Chief Executive Officer, Yvonne Manwa, who was the guest-of-honor at the ceremony thanked the ERSL executive for organizing such a colorful award ceremony and thanked football sponsors for growing national football.
“I want to thank the sponsors of these teams because it was through their efforts to sponsor grassroots football that enabled our warriors to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We should work hand in hand in order to improve our teams and the national team as well. The Eastern Region is more organized and the standards of the awards is really good,” said Manwa.
Several players received awards including Tawanda Chatiluka from FC Hunters who was the first runner-up, Destiny Stars’s David Chirandu the second runner-up while Junior Peter Mushure from FC Wangu Mazodze and Eddy Kanyangu from Manica Diamonds were also among the league’s best 11.
Junior Mushure of Wangu Mazodze FC won the golden glove award whilst Tadiwa Mambudzi of Mutare City won the golden boot.
Munyaradzi Bakayawo was crowned the referee of the season with Tanaka Masawi being the first Runner Up while Machekecha Wekeni was Second Runner-Up.
The Best 11 of the season comprised of Ali Sadiki, Junior Peter Mushure of FC Wangu Mazodze, Tawanda Chatuluka of FC Hunters, David Chirandu of Destiny Stars, Bennedict Musana of Chiredzi Stars, Clive Madande of Rusitu Tigers, Leon Ngwenya of Renco Mine FC, Theophilous Musiye of Huku FC, Malvin Dumbura of Tenax, Aldridge Mubango of Buffaloes FC, Eddy Kanyangu of Manica Diamonds and Tadiwa Mambudzi of Mutare FC.
