By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – Despite having to play second fiidle to MTC Premiership giants African Stars in the final of the lucrative Bidvest Knockout Cup, novices Citizens FC capped off an impressive season when the league rookies walked away with top accolades at the Bidveset Cup awards ceremony in Windhoek yesterday.
Lesley So-oabeb, who rattled the opposition’s net on no fewer than six times was the proud recipient of the prestigious golden boot award that came along with a handsome cash prize of N$25 000 and a trophy.
Man of the match in the goalless stalemate but otherwise thrilling final, Tjinotjiua wa Tjiwana was rewarded for his near faultless performance during the entire tournament and deservedly walked away with the Player of the Tournament award. The Citizen’s playmaker received a trophy plus N$25 000,
At the ocassion Bidvest Namibia Commercial Manager, Theo Mberirua, paid tribute to football and the media for producing another memorable season of the annual Bidvest Namibia Cup.
“Without all of those who contributed immersely towards the success of this competition, we could not have been here today. Special thanks goes to the referees because their decisions were credible enough not to draw controversy and delays in the competition.”
Mberirua also called on the football fraternity to ensure that stadiums are packed. “It is the responsibility of all of us to make sure we draw large crowds to the stadia to justify the sponsorships. I’m sure we can do better and we must do much better next season.”
NFA Secretary General Barry Rukoro commended all the role players, including the media for yet another “high” in the organisation of the competition. “Special thanks to the sponsors Bidvest Namibia for their generous support and to the participating clubs.”
The long-serving football administrator reserved special praise for Katutura glamour club African Stars for having drawn large crowds to their games. “I would like to urge other clubs to do more and try to emulate Stars so that we can have packed stadiums and unforgettable atmosphere during all our matches,” Rukoro said.