By SHAMAOMA MUSONDA –
EXCITING flanker Ali Bhika has been named the Lusaka Rugby Club 2014 Player-of-the-Year, taking the prestigious award for the third year running.
Ali, who has been the leading Lusaka’s crusade over the past few years, was handed the award he is now accustomed to by club chairperson, Ernest Mfula during the Awards Gala at Mahak Restaurant in Lusaka on Friday night.
To get the award, he beat fellow nominees Peter Mazombwe, Boyd Mkandawire and Jackson Nkoma.
Mfula said: “Bhika had an outstanding 2014 rugby season. He contributed immensely to the team and has always been available to the team. He also played in almost all the games and he was inspirational to fellow players. Congratulations young man.”
After missing the top prize, Nkoma managed to pick up the Most Improved Player award, winning for the second time on the trot.
To get the award, Nkoma outpolled Henshel Chola and Hilary Mugawa.
All the nominees were picked by the coach but the voting done the executive committee.
The leading Try Scorer award went to Israel Kalumba. Kalumba also got the Most Consistent Player accolade after defeating Charles Kafwimbi.
Peter Mazombe beat Mazazi Malako and Israel Kalumba to be crowned the Most Disciplined Player.
As for the club officials, the Employee of the Year award was given to Mpundu Mwamba while Musa Zimba took the Club Man Trophy which is given to senior members who remain enthusiastic and always available whenever called upon.
Lucio Mambwe got the Stirrer Trophy. This traditional award is given to a member who stirs up the team and things around the club.
The Outstanding Contribution award went to Chita Chushi Chibesakunda who helped the club last year especially in the area of fundraising.