Chiefs Dominate Nedbank Cup Award Nominees After Tough Season
Soweto Giants Secure Multiple Nominations Despite Ninth-Place League Finish
Kaizer Chiefs, despite a disappointing 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign, are guaranteed at least one major accolade following the release of the PSL Awards nominees. The club’s solitary triumph, a dramatic 2-1 Nedbank Cup victory over rivals Orlando Pirates in May, has propelled three of their players into contention for the tournament’s top individual award.
Nedbank Cup Recognition for Amakhosi
The Soweto giants, who ended the 15-team league in ninth position, missing out on the lucrative MTN8 competition yet again, have seen their Nedbank Cup success acknowledged. In the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament category, the panel has selected Inacio Miguel, Pule Mmodi, and Gaston Sirino, all from Kaizer Chiefs. This clean sweep ensures the club will claim this prestigious honour.
Pirates Players Shine in Promising Talent Category
Conversely, Orlando Pirates players have been heavily represented in the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player category. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mohau Nkota have all earned nominations, highlighting the emerging talent within the Buccaneers’ squad.
The PSL Awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29th, commencing at 19:00. The event will be broadcast live across SuperSport PSL Channel and SABC Sport, celebrating the season’s standout performers.
Top Individual Accolades Contested
The coveted Footballer of the Season award will see a fierce battle between Keletso Makgalwa of Sekhukhune United, Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro Costa. These three players have also been nominated for the Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season award, a testament to their impactful performances throughout the league campaign.
Coaching excellence in the Betway Premiership will be recognised with nominations for Steve Barker (Stellenbosch FC), Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Jose Riveiro (Orlando Pirates) for Coach of the Season.
Young talent is also celebrated, with Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mohau Nkota (both Orlando Pirates) shortlisted for the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season award. This award category, alongside new additions for the Motsepe Foundation Championship, underscores a commitment to developing future stars.
Other Award Categories Announced
In the Motsepe Foundation Championship, awards for Players’ Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, and Goalkeeper of the Season have seen nominees announced, including Banele Hlophe (JDR Stars), Joslin Kamatuka (Durban City FC), Muzomuhle Khanyi (Hungry Lions), Luke Baartman (Cape Town Spurs), Teboho Lekhatla (Casric Stars), Siphamandla Mhlongo (Milford FC), Emile Lako (Casric Stars), Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College), and Dumsani Msibi (Durban City FC).
The MTN8 Last Man Standing award nominees are Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC), Deon Hotto and Relebohile Mofokeng (both Orlando Pirates). Magesi FC’s duo of Elvis Chipezeze and Edmore Chirambadare, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners, are nominated for the Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament.
For the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season, the nominees are Gomolemo Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns, Ntandoyankosi Nkosi of Kaizer Chiefs, and Tylon Smith of Stellenbosch FC.
The Premier Soccer League aims to recognise exceptional individual contributions across all its leagues, celebrating the passion and skill demonstrated throughout the 2024/25 season. The sheer number of nominations for players like Relebohile Mofokeng across multiple categories demonstrates his significant impact this season, a stark contrast to Kaizer Chiefs’ overall league performance.
