WALVIS BAY – Coastal MTC Premiership campaigners LHU Blue Waters held their season ending awards ceremony in the harbour town where the players were rewarded for their achievements during the 2013/2014 season.
After a slow start to their league campaign that saw the seasiders languishing in the bottom half of the MTC Premiership football log standings, the Birds parted ways with coach Lucky Shipanga and turned to former blue-eyed boy Paulus ‘Wire’ Shipanga for intervention.
The highly talented former BidVest Wits striker and often temperamental Shipanga surprised friend and foe when he propelled the league strugglers to a respectable 5th place finish – a remarkable feat indeed – also finishing 5 places higher than the previous season.
At the awards ceremony, the corporate relations manager at Langer Heinrich Uranium – the main sponsor of the club – Ratonda Murangi-Katjivikua applauded the coastal outfit for their hard work and perseverance.
She added: “The team has done extremely well not only in the Premiership but also in the area of social development, by being involved in coaching clinics at school level apart from being involved in other developmental programmes for youngsters. This is one of the main reasons why we have the pleasure to assist the club because they not only concentrate on winning things but also educate and assist youngsters,”she elaboraed.
The club’s chairperson, Hafeni Ndemula, was on hand to congratulate his fast improved soldiers, despite the club facing serious financial challenges at times. Ndemula urged club members and supporters to dig deep in their pockets to assist the club financially.
Brave Warriors returnee, Ballack Somaeb, the top goalscorer in the NPL this season (18 goals), walked away with the golden boot award with Johannes Mutanga voted the most improved player of the season. The most disciplined player award was shared between Johannes Nambuli and Festus Hidinwa, while hard working midfielder Gabriel Malakia was the chief recipient of the prestigious player of the season accolade.
By Eveline de Klerk