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Johannes Ngodzo pays $4 000 Asiagate fine

by Sikhumbuzo Moyo
11 Feb 2013 at 06:28hrs | Views
THE 2002 Soccer Star of the Year first runner up, Johannes "Tshisa" Ngodzo is now a free man after paying his $4 000 fine imposed on him by Zifa for his involvement in the controversial Far East tours by the national team.

Tshisa, now playing for Zifa Southern Region Division One side Bantu Rovers was one of the 70 players and officials fined by Zifa. The former Highlanders midfield kingpin confirmed to Chronicle Sport that he is now a free man and was looking forward to an interesting finale to his career as he is now one of the coaches at the ambitious former Premiership outfit, coached by Rueben Tsengwa.

"I have since paid the $4 000 fine and can now actively concentrate on my football career," said Ngodzo during a brief chat on the sidelines of the Bantu Rovers end of year awards night held at Bulawayo Golf Club on Friday night.

Tshisa said he will devote his energy on making sure the largely youthful Bantu Rovers win the league title and return to top flight league in 2014.

Former Zimbabwe Under-20 coach and Bantu Rovers director, Methembe Mayor Ndlovu was slapped with an effective two-year ban and reportedly chose against paying an appeal fee.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Nqobizitha Masuku was voted the Players' Player of the year by his colleagues, Teenage Hadebe (17 years) walked away with the Most Disciplined Player Award while 18 year old Ezra DJ Siyaduba was adjudged to be the Most Improved Player. Most Consistent player award went to 23 year old Takunda Mutanga. Former Zimbabwe Saints player Kevin "Skopo" Sibanda won the President's Award and Ngodzo, nicknamed the General by the youngsters in the team, received the Chairman's Award.

In his motivational speech, former Highlanders player, manager and chairman Ernest Maphepha Sibanda urged the players to uphold the three Ds of football if they want to achieve their objective of playing in the elite league.

"Like I have always said, you should observe the three Ds which is Discipline, Dedication and Devotion and once you do that believe me, you will be better players. Do not put money ahead of your careers. Yes everyone wants money but if you don't follow instructions, you might even fail to get that little money," said Sibanda who left guests in stitches when he boasted that the last Highlanders championship was achieved when Ndlovu was the Highlanders coach and him the chairman.

Bantu Rovers chairman Peter Grieve, in his report read by the club secretary, Wilbert Sibanda, said they were eyeing the Premiership league title in five years before conquering Africa by lifting the Caf Champions League trophy in 10 years time.

Source - chronicle
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