By NCHIMUNYA MUGANYA – MIDFIELDER Spencer Sautu has scooped the footballer-of-the-year award for the MTN-FAZ premier league side Green Eagles following his impressive display during the 2015 soccer season. Sautu, who also featured for the Chipolopolo in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and the 2016 the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda, was also promoted by the Zambia National Service (ZNS) command to the rank of Corporal from Private. The midfielder was elevated together with nine other players during the club’s annual awards ceremony held in Choma. Mwila Phiri, who also scooped Top Scorer’s award joined Sautu as Corporal alongside Adamson Mulao and Hopeson Kalengo while Paul Malama, Ashed Mwale, Tindi Mwanza, Brian Kabwe, Chansa Katongo and Mateo Ndashe were elevated to the lance corporal rank. The Most Consistent Player accolade went to Brian Kabwe Mulao winning the Most Disciplined Player award as Phiri Jr walked away with the Most Improved Young Player award with the Chairman’s award going to Tapson Kaseba. ZNS Deputy Commandant Major-General Alick Kamiji, who graced the event urged the players to believe in themselves and aim higher in this year’s campaign. He challenged the players to target the top slot in the MTN-FAZ Premier Division. Maj-Gen Alick Kamiji said the Command believed that the players had over the years gained experience and should now deliver and finish well on the log at the end of this season. Eagles finished 10th during the 2015 season with 36 points from 30 games. He however, assured the team of the Command’s full and increased support in the coming season which would be aimed at motivating players to put more effort. “We know you have gained much need experience now, so we expect you to aim higher, this should be our focus this coming season. That is why we are promoting some of you,” he said. And speaking at the same function, Choma ZNS Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Jim Kafumukache said the unit was happy with the team’s performance last season. He thanked the ZNS Command for the overwhelming support rendered to the club and urged players to be focused and aim for an improved display.