Pitso claims another PSL Award
Pitso Mosimane claimed yet another back-to-back Absa Premiership Coach of the Month award after overseeing a faultless start to the second round of the league campaign since January 2016.
Mosimane walked away with the Absa Premiership coach of the month for both January and February.
Joining Mosimane on stage at the Premier Soccer League’s monthly awards ceremony was Kaizer Chiefs’ Willard Katsande and Hlompo Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns, who were both named the Player of the Month for January and February 2016, respectively.
Mosimane, whose name has become synonymous with the Absa Premiership monthly awards this season, steered his side to some memorable victories over University of Pretoria, SuperSport United, Maritzburg United, Chippa United, Free State Stars, Orlando Pirates and Mpumalanga Black Aces, during the January-February period.
In the process, the Brazilians scored 19 goals that has seen them currently lead the standings with 52 points after 23 games - 4 points ahead of Bidvest Wits.
Mosimane won the award ahead of Bidvest Wits’ Gavin Hunt and Cavin Johnson from Platinum Stars.
The judges heaped praise on Mosimane in terms of how he sets out his team to play an attractive style of football, the extraordinary performance his team displayed over the two months since the turn of the year and the manner he coaches his team to bring the best out of them.
Katsande’s efforts was recognized for his consistent display as the grafter in the heart of the Kaizer Chiefs midfield and being the source of goals for his side during January. The Zimbabwean narrowly beat Leonardo Castro and Keegan Dolly of Sundowns and Mpumalanga Black Aces’ Collins Mbesuma, to the award.
Kekana, the hard tackling Sundowns anchor-man played an integral role during Sundowns impressive winning streak in the Absa Premiership season during February. He scored once, provided a couple of assists and became the shield that protected the Sundowns defence.
Kekana’s displays in Sundowns’ incredible title-chasing run in February, had the judges convinced that he has been the unsung hero and leader of the star-studded team. He was also singled out for continuing to hold things tight in midfield despite the loss to injury of his midfield partner Bongani Zungu. His impressive performances also earned Kekana a recall to the South African national team set up.
The Players and Coach of the Month were selected by a panel of judges made up of members of the media and football analysts and was convened by renowned local coach Farouk Khan
As proud sponsors of the Absa Premiership, Absa congratulates Katsande, Kekana and Mosimane on winning their respective accolades for January-February and looks forward to an exciting battle on top and at the bottom of the league standings as the season fast approaches its conclusion
· Judging Panel: Farouk Khan (convenor), Brian Letsego, Baba Mthethwa, Marks Maponyane, Joe Nxumalo, Jerry Sikhosana, Cyril Nzama