BULAWAYO – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Southern Region Division One League held its belated 2024 awards ceremony on Saturday at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Champions ZPC Hwange dominated the awards, with former goalkeeper Harmony Nare who is now at CAPS United, claiming both the Player of the Season and Golden Glove awards.
Nare had a standout season, keeping an impressive 19 clean sheets.
Bulawayo City’s Mbongeni Minezhi, who recently joined Premier Soccer League newcomers Scottland FC, was named first runner-up, while Wilfred Nzondo from Casmyn finished as second runner-up.
The league’s 2024 Best XI also featured Nhlanhla Fumpano (Nkayi Utd), Hopewell Moyo (Zimbabwe Saints), Thabo Sibanda (Mainline FC), Tatenda Ushe (Casmyn), Tinotenda Chitete (Nkayi Utd), Justin Kaunda (ZPC Hwange), Trevor Mugwagwa (Zebra Revolution) and Israel Mkahanana (ZPC Hwange).
Newly elected ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi commended the Southern Region for organizing the ceremony.
His speech, read in absentia, emphasised action over rhetoric:
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed legends of our beautiful game, dedicated administrators, visionary former chairpersons, resilient players, unwavering referees, and all gathered here tonight (Saturday) under the banner of Southern Region football – good evening!
“Today, we assemble not merely to celebrate individual brilliance but to ignite a collective resolve. As we honour excellence from the 2024 season, let this ceremony mark the end of rhetoric and the beginning of action. The elections are over,” read part of Magwizi’s speech.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Southern Region Division One League is expected to kick off in late March or early April.
The upcoming season promises intense competition with relegated sides Hwange, Bulawayo Chiefs and Arenel Movers all eager to secure the league’s sole ticket to make a quick return to the PSL.
