Mahlambi, Pitso get PSL accolades

AFTER playing a vital role in guiding the national under-23 team’s qualification for the Rio Olympics and following his spectacular debut in the Absa Premiership earlier this season, Bidvest Wits newcomer Phakamani Mahlambi was named Player of the Month for November-December.

Mahlambi, 18, is a first-time winner of the award. He scored three goals and played a vital role with a number of crucial assists for Wits during this period.

The Clever Boys are one point behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on the Absa Premiership log.

The teenage sensation shared the stage at the Premier Soccer League’s monthly awards ceremony with Sundowns’ Pitso Mosimane, who was named Coach of the Month for the same period.

Mosimane, who came under criticism from some of his home fans early in the season after indifferent results, has seen them singing a different tune after steering Sundowns to a 10-game unbeaten run in the Premiership.

Their results have been matched by an impressive style of football. The judges praised Mosimane for his tactical acumen, bringing stability to the Sundowns team, consistency in team selection and getting the best out of his players.

The Brazilians beat Chippa United, Free State Stars and Orlando Pirates during the NovemberDecember period – scoring six goals in the process. They are currently top of the log standings, with 30 points from 14 games.

Mosimane beat off competition from Muhsin Ertugral of Mpumalanga Black Aces and Wits’ Gavin Hunt.