COSAFA U-20: Malawi’s Mhango, Zambia’s Mwanza named best players

Malawi under-20 boys’ national football team striker Mwisho Mhango and his Zambia’s girls’ counterpart Saliya Mwanza were named the best players for the COSAFA Youth Championship in Namibia.

The 17-year-old Malawian also scooped the Golden Boot award for the tournament which wound up on Sunday.

Mhango’s accolades were a timely consolation for the Young Flames who lost 3-0 to South Africa in Sunday’s final in Namibia.

The attacker, who is a subject of transfer interest from teams in Europe, bagged an impressive five goals throughout the competition.

The feat has since earned Mhango praise with the Malawi National Council of Sports acknowledging his achievements.

“Huge congratulations to Mwisho for this well-deserved recognition! Keep shining and making us proud!,” the council’s statement reads in part.

Girls’ section champions Zambia also produced their outstanding players with Ruth Mukoma earning the Golden Boot award with six goals and three assists.

She edged her team-mate Bwalya Chileshe who also finished the tournament with six goals but did not register any assist.

South Africa goalkeeper Solethu Radebe won the Golden Glove award for the boys’ category with Zambian Margaret Phiri earning a similar accolade for the boys’ section.