Mangochi ‘keeper scoops Carlsberg Cup award
Mangochi Police goalkeeper George Chauya has scooped the 2016 Carlsberg Cup Discovery of the Tournament award.
The 24-year-old was instrumental in his team’s impressive performance in the Carlsberg Cup as the lower league side qualified for the semi-finals of a national competition for the first time.
Chauya saved crucial penalties against MDF Marine in the second round of the Regional Preliminaries, Chikhwawa United in the round of 32 and PremierBet Wizards FC in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-final match against Be Forward Wanderers, the eventual champions, he frustrated the Nomads to a goalless first half.
However, he was substituted at half-time due to an injury he sustained after colliding with Wanderers’ Peter Wadabwa and in his absence, Mangochi conceded in the second half and lost 1-0.
“I am very happy to win this award. There were a lot of young players who did well and for me to get the recognition is a big honour,” Chauya said.
Chauya becomes the fourth goalkeeper in a row to win the award that comes with a K200 000 prize money and a trophy.
“This is just the beginning. I look forward to playing in the Super League next season,” said the goalkeeper, who is set to join Blue Eagles in January.
Chauya beat other nominees Nyasa Big Bullets striker Collen Nkhulambe and Prison United goalkeeper Moses John.
Carlsberg Brands manager (alcoholic) Twikale Chirwa congratulated Chauya for his outstanding performance.
However, he advised the player to work hard so that he can continue with his good performance when he joins top flight Super League.
Chirwa said he would like to see the award winner becoming a star not just on the local scene, but also on the international stage.
The three previous winners were Moyale Barracks goalkeeper Juma Chikwenga (2015) Francis Mwambo of Zomba United (2014) and the inaugural winner Kamuzu Barracks goalkeeper Lemani Nthala (2013).
Daniel Dzinkambani of Ginnery Corner and Lawson Chilewe of Prison United were joint top goal scorers with five goals and got K100 000 each.
Wanderers won the cup after beating Silver Strikers. n
