The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
TO his legion of fans and teammates, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s 2022 Golden Glove winner Nelson Chadya is known by the moniker Mawoko (hands).
However, that nickname has a deeper meaning; they believe his are not just hands but a very safe pair of hands.
And true to his nickname, the Ngezi Platinum Stars goal-minder was named the best goalkeeper on the land for the just-ended season.
He kept 19 clean sheets in the Premiership matches he featured for the Mhondoro miners.
The 25-year-old attributes his exploits this season to hard work and patience.
“Firstly, it is by God’s grace to be among the best 11 players in the land.
“I believe, to be crowned the goalkeeper of the year is a result of my hard work and patience,” Chadya said.
He shook off stiff competition from fellow soccer star finalist and FC Platinum goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, who had 16 clean sheets in 21 games.
“The competition was a bit tight. You look at the number of clean sheets for Wallace Magalane and Tymon Mvula (Dynamos). I would like to dedicate this award to my teammates for making it possible for me to keep those clean sheets,” he added.
Chadya’s crowning moment at the Castle Soccer Stars awards night came barely 24 hours after he had been named his club’s Best Player of the Year.
For Chadya, the double celebration seemed surreal.
“It all seemed like a dream, and getting recognised within a space of 24 hours by both club and then the league is something I never expected. To be honest, the feeling is something I can’t put into words,” said Chadya.
His first major award came in 2014, when he was voted the Best Goalkeeper at Hartley Academy.
Since then, the Chitungwiza-born goalkeeper has been dreaming big.
And eight years later, he finds himself walking as the best of the Premiership’s crop of goalkeepers.
“In 2015, when I was still with Hartley Academy, I was crowned the Goalkeeper of the Year in the Eastern Region and that pushed me to work hard and made me dream big.
“It has always been my dream, and through hard work and patience, I have managed to achieve one of my childhood dreams,” he said.
Chadya revealed that he had now set his sights on becoming the Warriors number one.
He has previously been the Young Warriors first choice goalkeeper.
“My dream is to become the Warriors first choice goalkeeper. I believe, with hard work and discipline, it is something achievable,” he said.
Chadya feels his eagerness to continuously learn has helped him scale new heights.
“I have passed through the hands of many coaches. I would say each coach has taught me something I have used in perfecting my skills,” said Chadya.
