Amissi’s clean sweep

AS EXPECTED, Cedric Amissi got all the accolades at the football awards last night at Sports View Hotel- bringing the curtain down on what has been an incredible 2012/13 season where he guided Rayon Sports to their maiden Primus league title after a seven-year drought. Amissi became the first Rayon Sports striker to win the best footballer of the year award, which came with Rwf. 700,000 in prize money, beating APR duo Michel Ndahinduka, Jean Baptista Mugiraneza and Mohamed Mpozembizi of Musanze. Not only did Amissi do enough to convince the Primus league coaches, captains and the media that he punched above his weight this season, the Burundian striker also scooped the top scorer’s gong. Added to the best footballer of the year award was the golden boot which he clinched after leading the goal scorer’s chart last season with 16 goals, feat which also came along with Rwf. 400,000. Amissi has admitted that it was a trying season for him but thanked his teammates for believing in him to guide the club to another milestone. “God is great and I want to thank my family and my other family, Rayon Sports, fans and the club chairman,” said Amissi. “This achievement is because of hard work and commitment that I and my teammates exhibited last season as we helped Rayon Sports win the league title,” “This is an indication that a lot of people out there appreciate our hard work, and I believe this recognition will motivate me and others to work harder and do well next season,” “I am happy and I dedicate these titles to Gikundiro fans,” added Amissi. In the women category, AS Kigali striker Shadia Umahirwe beat off Jolie Mbarushimana (APR), midfielder Anne Marie Ibangarye (AS Kigali) and midfielder Alice Niyoyita (Kamonyi) to the best footballer’s gong and pocketed Rwf. 700,000 in cash prize. “I have a lot of emotion,” she said after getting onto the stage. “I think this night is so special for me and I am thanking God for this special award.” APR’s Mbarushimana wrapped up the golden boot which saw her score 25 goals in the last season’s women league to pocket Rwf. 400,000 worth of prize money. Etoile de l’Est striker Zuberi Ntirenganya who topped the second division league with 15 goals was also honored with a golden boot and Rwf. 400,000 in cash prize. The best players were nominated by sports journalists, captains and coaches of first and second division clubs as well as the women football league clubs. Rayon Sports striker Labama Bokota Kamana won the first ever best male player award in 2007 and Police’s Meddie Kagere was voted the best player for 2010/2011 season. The 2013 football awards were organized by Ferwafa and sponsored by Bralirwa, Gorilla Motors, La Palisse hotel, Sports View Hotel and Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA).