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Ariel Sibanda's wish before retirement
03 Dec 2023 at 05:35hrs | Views
HIGHLANDERS FC captain Ariel Sibanda has done enough to be regarded as one of the best goalkeepers the country has ever produced.
But, for him, his achievements will never be complete without winning the league championship with Bosso. Sibanda on Friday won his fourth Golden Glove award after keeping 19 clean sheets this season.
Previously he won the award in 2012, 2018 and 2019, a feat which places him among the elite goal minders in the country.
He is second to Japhet Mparutsa who has six being the highest number of appearances on the Soccer Star of the Year calendar with his four. The 34-year-old says he still has enough gas in his tank to continue his work between the posts.
"If I feel I can still play, I will push on. My wish is to retire when Highlanders finally win the elusive league title and I get to play for the team as a champion. I'm still dreaming and believing in winning the championship. It is something that keeps me getting on. Yes, l have done well over the years but if l don't have the championship it's not enough. My wish was to win this award together with the league," said Sibanda.
He praised his defence for a good shift in the just ended season.
"I feel honoured really looking at the competition that is in the country. I think being one of the best 11 players in the country is a big achievement. I would like to thank my team. They really fought hard for me to get this award. Credit goes to them especially my defence. They defended very well," said Sibanda.
Sibanda has written a piece of history that a few footballers locally have achieved. It will take a goalkeeper with a higher pedigree to follow in his footsteps.
Sibanda known and respected for possessing an ability to guard goal and keep strikers at bay, endured a season that started on a joyful ride, where his team was a side that wasn't easy to score against.
In the same season, the shot-stopper went through a frustrating period when Highlanders went on a fall, losing grip after a 19-game run that saw the team unbeaten and touted as likely to be crowned champions. That was, however, not to be as Highlanders finished on fifth position.
But, for him, his achievements will never be complete without winning the league championship with Bosso. Sibanda on Friday won his fourth Golden Glove award after keeping 19 clean sheets this season.
Previously he won the award in 2012, 2018 and 2019, a feat which places him among the elite goal minders in the country.
He is second to Japhet Mparutsa who has six being the highest number of appearances on the Soccer Star of the Year calendar with his four. The 34-year-old says he still has enough gas in his tank to continue his work between the posts.
"If I feel I can still play, I will push on. My wish is to retire when Highlanders finally win the elusive league title and I get to play for the team as a champion. I'm still dreaming and believing in winning the championship. It is something that keeps me getting on. Yes, l have done well over the years but if l don't have the championship it's not enough. My wish was to win this award together with the league," said Sibanda.
"I feel honoured really looking at the competition that is in the country. I think being one of the best 11 players in the country is a big achievement. I would like to thank my team. They really fought hard for me to get this award. Credit goes to them especially my defence. They defended very well," said Sibanda.
Sibanda has written a piece of history that a few footballers locally have achieved. It will take a goalkeeper with a higher pedigree to follow in his footsteps.
Sibanda known and respected for possessing an ability to guard goal and keep strikers at bay, endured a season that started on a joyful ride, where his team was a side that wasn't easy to score against.
In the same season, the shot-stopper went through a frustrating period when Highlanders went on a fall, losing grip after a 19-game run that saw the team unbeaten and touted as likely to be crowned champions. That was, however, not to be as Highlanders finished on fifth position.
Source - The Sunday News
