Arthur Sibanda’s rising football career has taken another step forward after the Zimbabwean midfielder was named Most Disciplined Player at Botswana side Tonota FC, capping off a standout promotion-winning season.
The 23-year-old midfielder played a crucial role as Tonota FC secured promotion from the First Division North into the Botswana FNB Premiership, ending a long wait of more than two decades for topflight football to return to the club.
Sibanda, who joined the Botswana outfit on loan from Chegutu Pirates before earning a permanent deal, said his early months at the club were disrupted by administrative challenges.
“First round I faced challenges with my work permit papers, but later on I began to start and play all 90 minutes of the games,” said Sibanda.
Despite the slow start, he eventually became a key figure in midfield, anchoring the team with consistent performances as Tonota pushed through a competitive promotion race.
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His performances also earned him multiple individual recognitions during the season, including three nominations for the Best Midfielder award.
“I was also nominated three times as the best midfielder,” he said.
Sibanda’s influence in midfield grew as the season progressed, with his composure and work rate helping Tonota maintain momentum in crucial matches.
The Most Disciplined Player award marked his first individual accolade since joining the Botswana league, a milestone he described as both motivating and humbling.
“For the award I am feeling great and happy. That’s my first award, but my ambition is to win Player of the Season,” Sibanda added.
As part of the recognition, Sibanda also received a cash prize of 10,000 Botswana pula, rounding off a breakthrough campaign that has significantly raised his profile in Botswana football.
With promotion secured and personal recognition in hand, Sibanda now turns his focus to establishing himself in the Botswana FNB Premiership, where expectations will be higher following his impressive debut season.
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