Moorosi Tsiane
Matlama striker Motebang Sera is happy that his hard work is finally paying off following his nomination for two awards for the 2015/16 premier league season.
The awards presentation ceremony takes place at a local hotel on Wednesday this week and the hitman, who is already guaranteed the top goalscorer award, has been shortlisted for the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.
In both categories, Sera is competing against teammate Jane Thabantšo, Lioli playmaker Jerry Kamela and Sundawana forward Roboama Koloti.
“It is really amazing how things are starting to open up for me. This was my third season at Matlama and the first two were not easy at all because I wasn’t a regular. But I kept on fighting until I made the starting eleven and just look how things have turned out for me! Not only have I become a regular at Matlama, I was also called into the national team. It’s really amazing,” Sera said.
The 21-year-old national team marksman said he was thrilled to be among the awards finalists but admitted winning them would not be easy.
“I am happy to be nominated but again I know winning them won’t be easy because the competition is very tough. The two players I am competing with are very good; I have been with them in the national team and I know they are also hard workers,” he said.
But Sera has attributed his good form to his supportive teammates and coach, Moses Maliehe.
“It means a lot to me that I am nominated but I would like to pay tribute to my teammates and coach for believing in me. These are the people who encouraged and showed me that I can be one of the best in the country.
“I am a hard-worker and always eager to learn which one of the reasons I am where is also I am today,” said Sera.
He continued: “I wanted to be top goalscorer when the season started, and that one is already in the bag although I wanted to win it with at least 25 goals. Winning any other award will be a bonus because the one I really wanted, I got it. As for the others, it is really not up to me but like I said, I feel honoured to have been shortlisted alongside such talented players.”
Full list of nominees and prize money for the winners
Player of the season (M5000): Motebang Sera (Matlama), Jane Thabantšo (Matlama), Jerry Kamela (Lioli).
Young Player of the Season (M2000): Khubetsoana Kamela (Linare), Lesia Thetsane (Kick4Life), Roboama Koloti (Sundawana).
Coach of the season (M2000): Mpitsa Marai (LCS), Mosholi Mokhothu (Lioli), Moses Maliehe (Matlama)
Players’ Player of the Season (M2500): Roboama Koloti (Sundawana), Motebang Sera (Matlama), Jerry Kamela (Lioli).
Goal Keeper of the Season (M2500): Sele Thetsane (Kick4Life), Kananelo Makhooane (Lioli), Daniel Jousse (LCS).
Top goalscorer (M3000): Motebang Sera (Matlama– 14 goals).
Referee of the season (M2000): Lebalang Mokete, Osiase Koto, Retšilisitsoe Molise.
Assistant Referee of the Season (M2000): Souru Phatsoane, Mapoho Mapoho, Pali Pali.