Manyama in line for Footballer of the Season

JOHANNESBURG: In a true sign of leadership, three club captains – striker Lebogang Manyama of Cape Town City, Mamelodi Sundowns anchorman Hlompho Kekana and defender Thulani Hlatshwayo of Bidvest Wits – were all nominated for the Footballer of the Season award, the Premier Soccer League announcing on Monday afternoon that the ceremony to crown the big winners will be held on July 10 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The full list was revealed two days after the end of a long campaign that only officially came to an end on Saturday night with SuperSport United thrashing Orlando Pirates 4-1 in the final of the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

“This is such a huge boost for the national team,” said Kekana. “We always talk about taking responsibility when we are in Bafana camp and to see three captains, who are all South African, being nominated for this award means it will obviously rub off at that level. I think Lebo and Thulani have shown great character at the clubs.”

Manyama, who also clinched the Absa Premiership Golden Boot with 13 goals, has been nominated alongside Kekana and Hlatshwayo, skipper of league champions Wits.

Kekana is no stranger to being a candidate for the best player of the season having been one of three nominees last year when he was competing for the accolade with Sundowns teammates Keagan Dolly and eventual winner Khama Billiat.

“I feel I am already a winner,” the Sundowns skipper said. “I say that because it is very difficult to get recognition for the position that I play, and when you get this nomination you realise someone is watching and appreciating. I am inspired to do more.”

Manyama, whose name pops up again under the Players’ Player of the Season category, is undoubtedly the favourite after he showed consistency and missed just one league game for City throughout the season as Eric Tinkler’s side finished third behind Wits and runners-up Sundowns. Tinkler, unsurprisingly, is also nominated for Coach of the Season and goes up against Gavin Hunt of Wits and Pitso Mosimane of Sundowns.

Hlatshwayo, too, was steady and reliable, although he did miss a couple of games through injury, but bounced back just in time to help the Clever Boys get over the line and clinch the club’s first ever championship in their 96-year existence.