OnSport Reporter
FORMER Highlanders board chairman, Mgcini Nkolomi has lauded financial remittances company, Sendhome for backing the club’s developmental side, Bosso90 at a time focus has been on the senior team.
Speaking during an awards ceremony held Friday at Highlanders Sports Club, Nkolomi said development is the anchor of football but has found few takers over the years.
“SendHome’s investment in Bosso90 fits perfectly well with the Highlanders development plan as it takes a strong grassroots system to build a strong senior team.
“With proper nurturing, Bosso90 becomes the engine that keeps feeding talent to the senior team this reduces the need to buy players from outside and allows Highlanders to rely on home grown stars, who understand the badge, the culture and the responsibility of representing Bulawayo,” said Nkolomi.
The company sponsored Bosso90 with a kit this season followed up by tracksuits and branded travelling bags.
Despite facing relegation for the better part of the season in the Southern Region Division One side, Bosso90 players were honoured for their efforts with players being presented with personalised glass plaques.
Sendhome marketing executive, Dorriane Sithole said they are forging a long term partnership with Highlanders through supporting Bosso90 which they hope will be emulated by other corporates.
Players who excelled were rewarded with various awards with Lewis Muzondo walking away the Players’ Player of the Year and handed a token $100 by Bulawayo businessman, Jabu Nkomo, who was part of the guest panel.
The awards were graced by Highlanders officials with Bosso former players also coming out in full force to lend support to the emerging stars.
Full individual awards list:
Most promising: Bonginkosi Karuma
Defender of the Year: Sipho Ncube
Most Disciplined Player: Curtis Mangurenje
Top Goal Scorer: Romeo Zimba
Goal of the Season: Ackim Nkomo
Players’ player of the Year: Lewis Muzondo
Most assists: Tafara Mhaka