FC MUZA Striker Andrew Phiri received the young player of the year title at the MTN Super League awards ceremony for the 2022–2023 football season last week on Friday.

Phiri played an important role for the Mazabuka-based team that earned CAF confederation qualification and finished the season with 14 goals, two goals behind Andy Boyile, from eventual league winners, Power Dynamos.

Phiri learnt about his award on social media.

And Speaking in an exclusive interview with Bolanews, he said that the recognition meant so much to him and it will motivate him to work extra and win more awards.

“Well, I was in bed preparing to sleep then I just started receiving notifications of congratulations I didn’t know what was happening only to check on Facebook and find am the winner and I didn’t know how to react, and I was happy,” he explained.

Motivated to work hard.

“This means so much to me and it is the best motivation which will make me to work extra hard in my career,” he said.

Phiri, who did not anticipate receiving an award, commended his success to his teammates, the club’s technical bench, and management.

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“When I was younger, all I wanted to do was play football from morning to night and again the next day. I never thought about receiving awards,” he remarked.

Phiri is still optimistic that he would be included in the final roster for Saturday’s crucial match against Ivory Coast at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola.