By Delicious Mathuthu
In a night of glamour and recognition, Gweru based Premiers Soccer League outfit, TelOne Football Club (FC), honoured its season top performers on Friday night at Eagles Nest.
The glittering awards gala, graced by the club president, Oscar Nduwure, and guest of honour, Dynamos and Zimbabwe national team legend, Desmond Maringwa, saw six players being honoured for their outstanding performances and dedication to the club.
Former Caps United shot-stopper, Criss Mverechena, was crowned TelOne FC’s Player of the Season, after a sterling performance between the posts, especially in the second half of the league.
Receiving his award trophy, Mverechena had not much to say but thank his coach, Hebert “Jompano” Maruwa for ensuring the club survived relegation, finishing 10th on the log table.
“I don’t have much to say, I just want to thank coach Herbert because we were done, but he brought us back,” he said.
Eria Mafirenyika was voted by his colleagues as the season’s Player’s Player, and received his award paid tribute to his coach and fellow teammates.
“First I want to thank our coaches for the love and working together on the field; then I also thank the players for the work we put in, in the 2024 season; let’s remain like that and do better in 2025,” said Mafirenyika.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) Most Promising Player of the Year, 2024, Allan Chapinduka, who was also called up for national duty with the Zimbabwe Championship of African Nations (CHAN) squared, was awarded TelOne FC’s Most Improved Player.
The Most Loyal Player accolade went to Fredrick Muza, Top Goal Scorer to Washington Navaya and Most Disciplined Player went to Malvin Kwinjo.
Speaking during the awards, Guest of Honour Maringwa who is also the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) president, acknowledged TelOne’s successful fight for PSL survival.
“Let me start by congratulating you guys for staying in the Premier League; the last time that you were here you came in and went back so fast.
“This time around I am so happy that you found the niche and the will power to stay longer in the PSL,” he said.
Maringwa said the awards are not only for individuals but celebrating the spirit of unity within the club which collectively saw them through the season.
“As a former player I understand the dedication, sweat and sometimes tears that go into a season of football.
“Tonight we gather here not to celebrate individual achievements but honour the collective spirit of teamwork that defines TelOne FC.
“Football is more than a game, it’s a passion that binds us together. We have seen incredible talent on the pitch this season and tonight we recognize the hard work and commitment of our players,” he said.
“Whether you have scored the winning goal, made crucial saves, or supported your teammates from the sidelines each one of you has contributed to the club’s success in your own way.”
TelOne FC’s club president, Nduwure, reflecting on the season said in the first half of the competition things were not well, till the signing of Marowa as head coach.
“I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This season has been a remarkable journey for our club marked by hard work, dedication and shared passion for the beautiful game.
“I am deeply honoured to stand before you tonight to celebrate our achievements and recognise outstanding performances during the 2024 season.
“As you are all aware, our first 15 games of the season were not good… we had sleepless nights over that, until we went on the market and looked for someone who we thought was going to be the messiah.
“As I always tell Jompano, after our last game with Arenel where we won 1-0 and we were now assured that we were through to the next season, I told him ‘coach mamutsa Lazaro kubva ku-mortuary’, so we are proud of him,” Nduwure said.
To the players, he said:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our players who did well in the field of play, your commitment on and off the pitch has been nothing short of inspiring.
“Each one of you has contributed to our successes this season and it is your talent and determination that made TelOne FC a formidable force in the league, ending at number 10 in the league was not easy.”
Nduwure also thanked TelOne FC fans, club executive and technical team, saying it’s time to look ahead for a better and improved 2025 season.
He said the team will continue to work hard to develop talent and engage with the local communities.
