By McGeorge Mbare
BLANKET Mine FC forward Matthew Nhlabati has been named the YAFM–Player of the Month, Midlands Urology Centre Top Scorer of the Month for September in the Central Region Soccer League Division One.
Nhlabati has set exceptionally high standards this season, making his recent two match goal drought against Gwanda Pirates and Vhembe Stars Academy appear to be an unusual dip in form.
Despite failing to find the back of the net in his last two outings, the Blanket Mine goal machine remains the leading scorer for September, having netted a hat-trick against Superstrikers FC, a goal against MSU and another against Grain Tigers.
In a statement celebrating the forward’s achievement, Blanket Mine FC congratulated Nhlabati on his latest accolade.
“A huge congratulations to Matthew Hlabathi on taking home both the September Player of the Month and Top Goal Scorer awards. Such an outstanding two months of football, winning it in August and September respectively. The Barbers family is immensely proud of you, lad. Keep shining,” the club said.
Blanket Mine lead the Central Region standings with 71 points, seven points clear of the teams in second and third place.
Tongogara coach Mudado Friday has been named the September winner of the Ronnies Sports Arena Coach of the Month award in the Central Region Soccer League.
Beitbridge-based Ronnies Sports Arena, owned by business mogul Tinashe Mabidi, began sponsoring the league’s Coach of the Month award at the start of the 2026 season.
Tongogara occupy fifth place on the league table with 51 points, level with Gwanda Pirates but ahead on goal difference.
Elsewhere, Kwekwe United goalkeeper Tafadzwa Jabangwe has claimed the Jutan Printers Goalkeeper of the Month award.
Kwekwe United sit third in the standings with 64 points, level with Chapungu, who occupy second place courtesy of a superior goal difference.