Time for you to have your say
It’s time for the Phakaaathi Player-of-the-Month competition for September, with four fantastic candidates for the award who played a vital role for their team’s cause last month. Pick your favourite from the four candidates and follow the competition rul
Itumeleng Khune
The gap left by first-choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune’s absence from Bafana Bafana’s September World Cup qualifying disasters was clearly highlighted when he returned to play for Kaizer Chiefs later in the month. Khune came back from injury in scintillating form for Amakhosi, picking up three Man-of-the-Match awards in a row with stunning displays between the poles against Cape Town City, Bidvest Wits and Maritzburg United, as Chiefs breathed a bit of life into their Absa Premiership title challenge. There were several brilliant saves, with the highlight an amazing penalty stop diving to his right to deny Evans Rusike in the 2-0 win at Maritzburg United. Khune also celebrated a return to the Bafana Bafana squad for Saturday’s World Cup clash with Burkina Faso, and he was even named captain by Stuart Baxter in the absence of the injured Thulani Hlatshwayo.
KEYWORD: KHUNE
Thuso Phala
His first name, when directly translated from SeSotho to English, means “help”. That is what Thuso Phala has been doing for his SuperSport United side, helping them out of danger time and time again. Phala has been one of their best players since Eric Tinkler arrived from Cape Town City. The 31-year-old featured in two Absa Premiership games, three Caf Confederation Cup matches, and the MTN8 quarterfinal this past month. His most notable performance was when his two strikers helped his side reach the semifinals of the Confederation Cup for the first time in the club’s history. Phala scored in either half against Zambian side Zesco United in Ndola. This past Sunday in the semifinal against Tunisians Club Africain, the former Kaizer Chiefs winger continued his fine form – although he did not score nor provide an assist, he was a thorn in the flesh for the North Africans with his pace and skill.
KEYWORD: PHALA
Nkanyiso Mngwengwe
Golden Arrows defender Nkanyiso Mngwengwe has carried his fine defensive performances into the new season. Mngwengwe has earned praise from coach Clinton Larsen for his consistency in defence. The 27-year-old played his 100th game when they faced AmaZulu on September 17. Mngwengwe is an underrated defender, with many calling on the powers-that-be to draft him into the national team. Arrows have conceded four goals in the seven league games they have played this season, with the defender providing steel at the back, together with Limbikani Mzava. In September, Mngwengwe was in fine form as Arrows conceded just two goals in four matches, keeping two clean sheets. There were spectacular wins at Bidvest Wits and at home to AmaZulu and another hard-fought victory at Platinum Stars followed by a respectable draw with Kaizer Chiefs.
KEYWORD: MNGWENGWE
Mpho Kgaswane
In the last few weeks, Mpho Kgaswane has been a very important player for Baroka FC, who are currently on top of the Absa Premiership after four wins and three draws in seven games. The midfielder is mostly used as an impact player by coach Kgoloko Thobejane and has made an impressive start in his second season in South Africa after joining Bakgaga last season. With six appearances to his name for Thobejane’s charges, the midfielder has only made one start, coming on as a substitute. The Botswanan international has already scored, netting an 84th-minute winner against Free State Stars to take all three points in September. His power and speed makes him a handful for opposition defenders and he has some brilliant skills to outsmart opponents. Despite making only one start so far this season, Kgaswane has played a vital role in Baroka’s exciting start to the season.
KEYWORD: KGASWANE