Moorosi Tsiane
BANTU goalkeeper Thabiso Lichaba and midfielder Lindokuhle Phungulwa were the big winners at the side’s awards ceremony in Mafeteng yesterday afternoon.
Phungulwa beat Lichaba and Mkhwanazi Mkhwanazi to bag the Player of the Season accolade and walk away M5000 richer.
Lichaba on the other hand, won the Players’ Player of the Season (M2000), the Golden Glove (M1500) and the Fans Favourite Awards (M1500).
Phungulwa, who won the award for the second time after debuting it in the 2016/17 season, said he was happy to have won as this was a sign of improvement.
“I am happy to have won this award once again and I thank God for that,” Phunglwa said.
“I didn’t start this season well but God has been my pillar and at the end, my performance improved.”
Phungulwa admitted that they had a tough season but said they managed to pull through as a team. He thanked the supporters for always rallying behind them.
“It was a tough season but I think we did well as a team to finish the season in second place. I thank all our supporters because they never gave up on us.”
On his part, Lichaba heaped praises on the side’s technical team.
“It was not easy. I played the CAF Champions’ League after having started just one league match against Linare. But the coaches kept pushing me all the way and I thank them for believing in me as their faith finally paid off,” the jubilant Lichaba said.
On his national team call-up, Lichaba said he was also happy that his efforts are being recognised.
“It means a lot that I have been called up because I believe it is every player’s dream. It feels good to see that at least my efforts are being recognised,” Lichaba concluded.
Winners in all categories:
Most Active branch – Qoaling branch M500
Supporters award – Lefothane M500
Longest serving award – Mokone Marabe M1500
Most improved player – Thabo Lesaoana M1500
Good sportsmanship – Hlompho Kalake M1500
The most consistent player – Tsietsi Khooa M1500
The most disciplined player – Johannes Molapo M1500
Fans favourite award – Thabiso Lichaba M1500
The best signing – Mkhwanazi Mkhwanazi M1500
Youngest player – Neo Mokhachane M1500
Most outstanding player – Litsepe Marabe M1500
Golden glove award – Thabiso Lichaba M1500
Players’ Player of the Season – Thabiso Lichaba M2000
Special gift from Former Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation – Thabiso Lichaba M500
Goal of the Year – Lindokuhle Phungulwa M1500
Top Goal Scorer – Lazola Tjokotjokwana M1500
Presidential Award – Lehlohonolo Fothoane M1500
Player of the Season – Lindokuhle Phungulwa M5000