By Trevor Makonyonga
Prince “Mgadafi” Dube who is arguably the biggest talent that graced different stadia in the country this past season have been awarded a paltry R1000 by a group of Highlanders fans majority of them based in South Africa.
The Highlanders official Facebook page wrote, “Prince ‘Mgadafi’ Dube is the 2019 Bosso Bulletin player of the year. He walks away with a trophy and R1000. Congratulations @princemgadafi, thank you very much Bosso Bulletin.”
The player did so well that the national team technical benchcould not ignore calling him up for national team. His half season of play was way too good that he earned PSL second runner up and now his parent club has awarded him with the player of the year award.
Highlanders, being one of the biggest clubs in Zimbabwe, their awards ceremonies are expected to carry some value and the prizes offered have to be valuable. Many people have expressed that to post that they are awarding a great talent like Mgadafiwith a paltry R1000 is more of an insult than it is an appreciation of talent.
“Bosso bulletin a Whatsapp group of Highlanders supporterscame together to contribute to the player. Their gesture is intended for the best but to publicize that they are giving a national team player an amount of about US$70 is more of a slap than it is a positive, ” said one Robert Mungwaru.
Comments that have been passed on the Facebook post applauded the gesture by the supporters but lamented that publicizing the benevolent act was somehow demeaning to the huge stature of the player.
Nkanyiso Mageza-Moyo posted, “Good for you (Prince Dube.) I just think the prize money should increase to R10000. It will motivate our players even more.”
Xolisani Xolani Ncube wrote, “R1000 like serious. Shame that’s why I decided to play football in Europe.”
Former Highlanders forward, Gabriel Nyoni, “Well done to Prince Dube. Highlanders’ league title dream for 2020 is achievable with this young man.”
Lwazi Norman Ngubane, “This R1000 guys were contributed by other fans like you. This is not from any cooperates but from well-wishers and supporter. I think they did their best and if you it’s too little, doors are open you can contribute as well. Half a loaf is better than nothing. Together we achieve more.”
Many soccer analysts have bemoaned poor remuneration of players which saw the 2019 Castle lager Premier Soccer League Joel Ngodzo being bestowed US$600 for his endeavors.
