21 May 2017

Jwaneng Galaxy captain, Boitumelo ‘Navara’ Mafoko has attributed winning the Mascom Top 8 best player award to his commitment to the game and wealth of experience.

The 36-year-old centre-back edged his teammate Thabang Sesinyi and Orapa United captain, Thabang Mosige to the honour during the awards ceremony held at Gaborone International Convention Centre on Thursday night.  

“I want to thank God, my coach Michael Sithole and my teammates for this award. We motivate each other and people like Sekhana Koko were helping to inspire me even though he was injured,” explained Mafoko who said he was not expecting the award because he was competing with two quality players.

He described it as one of his biggest achievements, saying he would cherish it for a long time.

“When it comes to training, I always put in a lot of effort. Also, you can’t buy experience. Experience is very important. Secondly, I lead a clean life and I don’t drink alcohol or go to night clubs,” he said.  

The centre-back scored in the epic 4-3 victory against Orapa United as Galaxy lifted the top eight trophy at Francistown Sports Complex in April.

Mafoko pocketed P50 000 for winning the award. His teammate Anthony Gouws won the goalkeeper of the tournament award, getting P25 000 while Galaxy head coach Sithole was voted the best coach of the tournament also getting P25 000.

BDF XI striker, Kumbee Roger Katjiteo and Orapa United attacking midfielder, Tendai Nyumasi shared the top goal scorer award after scoring four goals each during the tournament.

Keabetswe Dintwa was voted the best referee of the tournament while Bakwena Simankalele got the best assistant referee award.

Yesteryear greats such as Boniface ‘Wonder’ Tlape, Matlhogonolo ‘Paymaster’ Dintwa, Kalake, veteran coach David Bright and former referee Aloysius Sesikwe handed the awards to recipients.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, MacLean Letshwiti said the 2016/17 edition of the Mascom Top 8 was an exciting celebration of football and urged Mascom Wireless to continue sponsoring the competition.

“The Mascom Top 8 is probably the biggest show of corporate support to football in Botswana. It has propelled football to greater heights. The sponsorship has helped to grow interest among the fans and has grown support for football in the country,” said the BFA boss.

Mascom wireless chief executive officer, Jose Cuceiro congratulated Jwaneng Galaxy for winning the Mascom Top 8 in their maiden appearance in the competition.

Debswana managing director, Balisi Bonyongo lauded Mascom for making a significant impact in the development of sport through their sponsorship of various codes.

“Sponsorship like this one encourages players. Since the inception of the top eight tournament it has contributed so much to the development of football.

The tournament has transformed the football culture by injecting a vibe among supporters. It is one of the prestigious and most competitive in our country,” Bonyongo said. ENDS