Fungai Muderere
HIGHLANDERS goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, Bulawayo Chiefs striker Obriel Chirinda and Chicken Inn midfielder Michael Charamba have been nominated for the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) July Player of the Month Award.
Sibanda, who is also the Bosso captain, has been in brilliant form for the giants, which has seen him keep 14 league clean sheets and conceding a mere four goals from 18 league outings.
This is the second time Sibanda has been nominated for the gong this season.
He was nominated for the award in April, which was won by Manica Diamonds’ Fortune Binzi.
The former Warriors goalkeeper (33) has continued to defy age.
Sibanda has commanded a Bosso rearguard that is made up of club’s vice captains Peter Muduhwa and Mbongeni Ndlovu, Andrew Mbeba and evergreen Archford Faira.
Chirinda, has also been on top of his game.
The forward has literally been carrying Bulawayo Chiefs on his shoulders.
Chirinda, a former Zimbabwe youth international, is the country’s leading top goal scorer with nine goals under his belt, one ahead of Manica Diamonds’ Binzi.
Bulawayo Chiefs spokesperson, Thulani “Javas” Sibanda, heaped praise on Chirinda.
“He has been in fantastic form and we are glad his efforts are being recognised. In Chirinda we believe,” said Sibanda.
The monthly award is sponsored by Doves’ Zororo Phumulani.
With Chicken Inn blowing hot and cold, Charamba has been on song and he has so far scored six goals.
“It’s always good to have a player get such recognition. We hope other players will vote for Charamba to win the award,” said Chicken Inn coach Prince Matore.
The award was introduced in mid-2019 for both men and women in a bid to promote and safeguard the welfare of local footballers.
This monthly event will culminate in an annual gala event to honour the best player in the local league as voted for by fellow players.
The unique nature of these awards is that they are an opportunity for players themselves to honour one another.