ZERO-TO-HERO MIDFIELDER IS BUCCANEERS’ DIAMOND

“It’s a great honour to be nominated for such an award, especially in a time when we haven’t been doing as well as we had planned as a team,” Mlambo said. “When we get onto the field we aren’t thinking of awards, but rather to help the team win games so to be here right now is a pleasant surprise.

“This award has added to my motivation and will be a constant reminder that I need to keep working hard. One thing is for sure, if I’m working hard enough to get recognised, it also means I’m pushing for my team to do well at the same time.”

The 27-year-old was searching for a club just three years ago after playing for the North West University and was eventually picked up by National First Division Cape Town All Stars.

After just four games for the second-tier side he was snapped up by Chippa United in the second half of the 2015-16 season and became an instant regular under coach Dan Malesela.

He won the league with BidVest Wits the following season, but played a small role and only started six games as the Clever Boys marched to the title.

But a move to Pirates in January 2018 saw his fortunes revived. The Soweto-born star was a regular under Micho Sredojevic in the second half of the last campaign and this season has been a key man, starting every game.

Pirates will be in action again tomorrow, when they host Cape Town City, and TAB soccer pool players must take the form of Mlambo into account when making their picks for the match.