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SUPER SNIPER . . . ZRP FC striker Kasimero Chimbadzwa (centre) receives his Golden Boot trophy from Supreme Panel Beaters managing director Ellen Muzongi (left) and ZIFA board member John Phiri in Harare on Saturday

Sports Reporter
ZIFA have challenged Division One players to raise their game and strive to serve their country by playing in the national teams. John Phiri, the ZIFA board member, said a number of players who served the national team with distinction in the past, came from mine teams that used to play in Division One. Phiri was speaking at the ZIFA Northern Region Division One awards ceremony, where the league honoured its Golden Boot winner, in Harare on Saturday.

The former Warriors’ star, who was a member of the Dream Team, said the senior national team should not only be served by players from the Premiership.

“We want the league to benefit our nation,” Phiri said.

Phiri also praised for the ZIFA Northern Region Division One leadership for the progress they have made this year, the sponsorship they have secured, and for taking their game onto television where some of their matches are now being screened on ZTV.

ZRP FC striker Kasimero Chimbadzwa won the Golden Boot, sponsored by Supreme Panel Beaters, and received a floating trophy and US$400 for his efforts.

He scored 22 goals in the just-ended season. Supreme Panel Beaters managing director Ellen Muzongi said her company will strengthen its relationship with football next season.

“This inter-marriage is getting us more and more interested in football and you will see in 2015 that we will participate more in soccer,” said Muzongi.

ZIFA Northern Region chairman Willard Manyengavana thanked the media for helping their league this season.

“Without the help from the media we would not have accomplished what we have managed to do this season,” Manyengavana said

League vice-chairman Martin Kweza said teams provided by his league were making a huge impression in the Premiership.

He noted that Harare City ran Dynamos close, in the championship race, before losing on the final day while ZPC Kariba also gave the Glamour Boys a tough time before losing the title race on the last day.

Kweza said players who played in his league last year were some of the outstanding players in the Premiership and some of them were honoured at the Soccer Star of the Year awards ceremony in Harare on Friday.