The Sunday Mail
ON-FIRE Highlanders and Warriors striker Prince Dube scooped the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) September Player of the Month just a few hours after clinching the Castle Lager award for the same period.
The re-branded FUZ award, which is now being funded by funeral services provider Doves, through their Zororo/Phumulani brand, is voted for by players while the Castle Lager accolade is decided upon by journalists, club captains and coaches.
Dube, who is in camp with the national team that is preparing for Sunday’s second leg of the CHAN final qualifying round against Lesotho, received R5 000 for the FUZ award at the Zifa Village in Mt Hampden Wednesday afternoon.
The Bosso hitman who has scored six goals in his last six matches, including the Warriors games, paid tribute to his teammates at both club and national team levels.
“I say thank you to my coaches at both club and national team for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent,” said Dube.
Doves general manager operations, Nicholas Matsika, pledged more support to FUZ.
“We applaud FUZ for coming up with this initiative. As Doves we also celebrate life and place emphasis on honouring the living. Winners are those who never give up. Doves has been there since 1902 and we will be there till the end of time,” said Matsika.
Meanwhile, Manica Diamonds stand-in gaffer, Johannes Nhumwa, was named the Castle Lager September Coach of the Month after guiding the Manicaland side to three wins against Hwange, Triangle and Chicken Inn.
Manica Diamonds are now ninth on the log with 36 points after 26 rounds of action and Nhumwa has somehow managed to steady the team after the sacking of Luke Masomere at the start of August amid fears then that the debutants were sliding into the relegation zone following a spate of poor results.
Meanwhile, Veronica Gwaze reports that while Dube was celebrating his accolade, Black Rhinos Queens and Mighty Warriors forward, Felistas ‘Figo’ Muzongondi was also over the moon after scooping the Women’s version of the award.
Muzongondi whose colleagues in women’s football voted overwhelmingly for her, pocketed R5 000 cash at the awards ceremony.
With 11 goals in 17 games, Muzongondi said the awards would go a long way in motivating upcoming players.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for such an honour that came at a time I least expected considering the journey I have been through.
“The tale of a woman soccer player has never been colourful at all, it is just but a sad story but all thanks for such recognition that gives motivation,” said Muzongondi.
Women’s football in the country has traditionally faced a number of challenges that include lack of sponsorship and neglect.
