HARARE - Castle Premiership Golden Boot winner Nelson Maziwisa claims he is now living in fear in the small mining town of Zvishavane after reaping handsome financial rewards in the just-ended season.

The Shabanie Mine striker says the 18 goals he scored in the season have gained him more enemies than friends in the football crazy town. “You know how the mine is. Not everyone is happy to see you succeed,” Maziwisa told the Daily News yesterday.

“Some people have already warned me they are waiting for one wrong move to ‘teach me a lesson’”.

Maziwisa enjoyed a remarkable season with Shabanie, helping turn the club from relegation candidates to one-time championship contenders.

Maziwisa’s club form earned him a national team call-up for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Angola in Harare, coming on as a second half substitute.

The Warriors won that first leg 3-1 and received $3 000 in bonuses. The former Mimosa striker added to his bank account by winning the Golden Boot Award, which comes with a $3 500 cash prize.

He is also set to get an extra $1 000 for being one of the 11 Soccer Star of the Year finalists, taking his tally to $8 500.

“When we began this season, I wanted to make a name for myself in Zimbabwean football,” he said.

“My parents told me to pray and that is something I have been ever doing since. I think I have achieved all I wanted to do. No one gave us (Shabanie) a chance. Few expected us to finish in a respectable position (fifth). Credit to my teammates.”