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‘BIRDS’ ‘PAPY’ SOARS HIGH!

20/02/2017 07:25:00 BY CHRIS DLAMINI

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EZULWINI – It was a historic night for the country’s football when His Majesty King Mswati III graced the a competition awards’ presentation for the first time ever last night.

For the eventual back to back winners of the lucrative Ingwenyama Cup tournament Mbabane Swallows it was more than that as their star midfielder Tshitshimbi Papy Kabamba also took home the tournament’s Player of the Series Award.

The award comes with a E15 000 cheque which was presented to the player last night in the prize presentation ceremony blessed by the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) born player beat other hot contenders in his teammates Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko and Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.

This was his first major award in the country, which was preceded by a long overdue MTN Premier League Player of the Month Award recently. For all his influence and the shape he gave the champions in the heart of the midfield, it is a deserved honour for him.

He featured in all Swallows’ five games in the tournament and proved influential in each one of them. However, he faced strong competition from his teammates who could also have easily won it.
“It’s fantastic to win this top award. It’s so amazing for me but I am not working alone. instead, we are a team and work together. I thank the club’s boss, management, supporters and most importantly my teammates as without them it would have been possible while I also dedicate it to my best player Kante of Chelsea as he is my inspiration,” he emotionally said.

Questioned if he would not have minded had the award been won by either Wonder or ‘Sikhali’, he said they all worked very hard for the success of the club and any of them deserved the award. He said hard work and the tough training was behind this success, which is what also helped them defend the title.
Other big winners on the night were Moneni Pirates’ striker Mfanufikile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze, who walked home with the Top Goal Scorer Award coming with a trophy and E10 000 cheque while Young Buffaloes’ goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu took home the Best Keeper Award, also with a E10 000 cheque.