The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
IN a year that Ralph Kawondera lost his brother, the football gods finally smiled upon the Triangle midfielder and some form of consolation came via his first ever Soccer Star award.
On December 6, Kawondera finished as the first runner-up to 2019 Castle Soccer Star of the Year Joel Ngodzo.
Ralph’s twin, Raphael, passed on at Chitungwiza’s Citimed on April 23 after a short illness. The death negatively impacted on him.
The Triangle skipper collapsed upon hearing the news of his twin brother’s death.
“I got very disturbed when I lost my twin brother, it was a difficult time for me, I was disturbed by his death and I am always thinking of him.
“Since he passed on, I have been playing for him,” said Kawondera.
Following the death of his brother, Ralph promised to play for his sibling.
He has since dedicated his accolade to him.
“He was my source of inspiration. I always remember his words of encouragement. He was always there for me.
“We would always encourage each other to work hard, hence the reason I am dedicating this accolade to his memory,” Ralph said.
The 29-year-old, who led from the front as Triangle made a decent debut to the CAF Confederation Cup game, also said he was not surprised that he made it onto the Stars calendar. In fact, he believes that he deserved the top gong.
“I was not surprised to be part of the best 11, and neither was I shocked at making it to the top three. However, my target was to be the Soccer Star of the Year.
“I worked hard this year and I am happy to have achieved one of my goals, that is to be part of the country’s 11 best players.
“Unfortunately, I could not be crowned the Soccer Star. I have to work extra hard since my target is to receive the top prize next season,” said Kawondera.
Ralph, who comes from a football dynasty which has given the nation such players like former Darryn T stalwart Raphael, Simba Stars coach Ralph as well as former Dynamos and Triangle striker Richard, is happy to be the first Kawondera to make it onto the calendar.
“My family has a rich football background and I am happy to be the first to make it onto the best 11,” said Ralph.
Yesterday the Triangle skipper held a memorial junior football tournamnet for his late brother in Chitungwiza.
