Red Arrows Dominate 2024 MTN/FAZ Awards Gala
The 2024 MTN/FAZ Super League Awards Night was a glittering affair, dominated by the Red Arrows and headlined by record-breaking Copper Queens stars Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji.
The prestigious event celebrated the best in Zambian football, with accolades awarded to players, coaches, and contributors to the sport.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the President’s Award to Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji by FAZ president Andrew Kamanga.
Both players set world record transfer fees for their moves to the United States, with Banda joining Orlando Pride and Kundananji signing with Bay FC. Kamanga praised their achievements, which have brought significant attention to Zambian women’s football.
Red Arrows midfielder Saddam Yusuf Phiri was the star of the night, taking home the coveted Footballer of the Year award. His teammate, Charles Kalumba, was honored with the Golden Glove award for his outstanding performances as a goalkeeper.
Another Red Arrows player, Andrew Phiri, was voted the Fans Player of the Year, further cementing the club’s dominance at the gala.
Zesco United’s David Simukonda was recognized as the Young Player of the Year, while Power Dynamos’ Godfrey Ngwenya received the Most Disciplined Player award. Fred Michael of Green Eagles clinched the Top Scorer prize, acknowledging his remarkable goal-scoring prowess throughout the season.
Double-winning coach Chisi Mbewe was named Coach of the Year for his outstanding leadership of the Red Arrows. The awards for Best Central Referee and Best Assistant Referee went to Hillary Hambaba and Diana Chikotesha, respectively, recognizing their exceptional officiating skills.
For the first time, the awards included a category for journalism, with Calvin Kaumba Chikenge of Bola News receiving the inaugural Best Journalist of the Year award. This new category underscores the importance of media in promoting and supporting Zambian football.
In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts Elvis Nkandu thanked MTN for their unwavering support of Zambian football. Nkandu highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships, noting MTN’s consistent backing even as other sponsors have withdrawn.
“The MTN Awards has become a highlight of our annual football calendar. For us as government, we are always encouraged by private sector-driven partnerships,” said Nkandu. He praised MTN for setting an example of a partnership that transcends seasons and boundaries.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga also congratulated the winners and thanked MTN for their continued support. He acknowledged the economic challenges but expressed optimism about the future, noting new sponsorships from Zambian Breweries, FredRobie, Reliable Utilities, and a betting partner.
“We continue to court various sponsors for different opportunities in our game. The recent sponsorships demonstrate the open door policy we have for partnerships,” Kamanga said.
Zambian Premier League board chairperson Kephas Katongo disclosed plans to engage fans more actively next season, ensuring their involvement in the sport’s growth and development.
Full Awards List
- Player of the Season: Saddam Phiri (Red Arrows)
- Golden Glove: Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)
- Top Scorer: Fred Michael (Green Eagles)
- Fans Player of the Season: Andrew Phiri (FC MUZA)
- Young Player of the Year: David Simukonda (Zesco United)
- Most Disciplined Player: Godfrey Ngwenya (Power Dynamos)
- Coach of the Year: Chisi Mbewe (Red Arrows)
- Best Central Referee: Hillary Hambaba
- Best Assistant Referee: Diana Chikotesha
- Journalist of the Season: Calvin Kaumba Chikenge (Bola News)
- President’s Award: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride) & Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC)
