‘Shabba’ hogs Chiefs awards ceremony
Mphahlele also reaps rewards for hard work
Siphiwe Tshabalala was the biggest winner at the Kaizer Chiefs awards gala last night, the veteran midfielder walking away with no fewer than four gongs after an impressive season for him.
TshabalalapocketedR100 000asPlayer of the Year and added a further R100 000 as the club’s top scorer, Fan Player of the Season and for scoring the best goal. It was the third time Shabba claimed the club’s Player of the Year award in his 10 years with Amakhosi.
The midfielder has enjoyed one of his best seasons at Chiefs, in which he celebrated scoring 50 goals last year. He scored seven Premiership goals.
His form has even enticed Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter, who recently admitted he was close to recalling the 32-year-old to the international fold.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele was another big winner, bagging three awards – with the biggest being Players’ Player of the Year.
The Chiefs’ press release cited that the defender got the award, voted for by his peers, as an acknowledgement from those “who worked with him during training sessions, many travels around the country, and off and on the pitch. He received a brand-new Toyota RAV4 vehicle which he will drive for 12 months”.
Mphahlele joined Chiefs from Mamelodi Sundowns in June last year and was arguably their most impressive signing. In a surprise twist, another new signing, Edmore Chirambadare, won Most Improved Player award despite a wretched season during which he scored just twice.
Club owner Kaizer Motaung honoured former public relations officer Louis Tshakoane with the Chairman’s Award.
“You cannot talk about Kaizer Chiefs in the 80s and 90s without mentioning Louis,” said Motaung. “Louis’ character, flamboyance and passion really livened up the mood in stadiums across the country. It is important to honour him and truly thank him for his work.”