SIMBARASHE MTEMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Eastern Region aspiring chairperson Major (Rtd) Special Matarirano has launched the man of the match awards for the region’s Division 1 league.
He told The Mirror in an interview that he launched the initiative where the player of the match is getting US$20 with his candidate team when the league began to uplift players, improve footballing standards and competition in the league.
He said they are set to introduce the Man of the Month award and the awards will run until the end of the 2024-25 season.
The reason for holding the awards is to increase competition within youngsters and at the same time improving home takings for players in our region. This is our own initiative to uplift the plight of players.
“We have working links with individuals and families who love football and want to see players prosper. We have an average of nine D1 matches in the region and all man of the match are benefitting from this program,” he said.
ZIFA Eastern Region covers Masvingo Province, Manicaland and parts of Mashonaland East.
Matarirano is a former player for several clubs in the region and also served as Masvingo City Football Club board chairperson.
Alfred Muluku of Masvingo United, Mafa of FC Wangu Mazodze, Munashe Nadolo of St Musami are some of the match day five Man of the Match award winners.
Players who spoke to The Mirror applauded Matarirano for the gesture and urged the corporate world to complement his efforts.