By Onward Gangata
TELONE striker Washington Navaya was on Friday night crowned as the best player on the land breaking a long standing 24 year record.
The last player from the Midlands capital to win the award was Maxwell Dube, who scooped the award in 2001.
It had to take something special to break Dube’s record and it was only befitting that Navaya had to break the record.
And Navaya did it in style with a double swoop after winning the top goal scorer award for his 17 goals.
Interestingly, the TelOne striker is a product of the Marhino7 football club, a development side bankrolled by Dube.
“This is something I was not expecting,” said an emotional Navaya soon after receiving his award.
“I had not thought of myself as the best player in the country, I was thinking maybe I would be among the top three only.
“But I thank God for this award, I give thanks to my teammates for the support and the coaches for all the work we put into this season.”
Other winners
Scottland defender, Kelvin Moyo was voted as the first runner up while Simba Bhora midfielder Emmanuel Ziocha was the second runner up.
Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai won the people’s choice award while Scottland teenager Mafious Chihweta was named as the most promising player.
Simba Bhora goalkeeper, William Thole was the goalkeeper of the season.
In the referees category, Brighton Chimene retained the referee of the year accolade.
Francis Chirwa and Tafadzwa Nkala were the first and second runner ups respectively.
Bikita Minerals were named as the most disciplined team for this season.
