Teko Does it Again

For the second consecutive season, Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana Midfielder, Teko Modise, scooped the PSL’s most coveted Award at the League’s annual end of season Awards ceremony at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City.

Modise saw off the challenge of his teammate Lucas Thwala and Golden Arrows’ striker Richard Henyekane to walk off with the PSL Footballer of the Year Award judged by coaches of all 16 Premier League teams.

Modise’s triumph rounded a glittering evening of Awards and celebrations as the curtain fell down on a wonderful 2008/2009 PSL Season.

For his efforts, Modise received a cheque of R250 000.00.

“It was certainly a great evening for all,” said PSL Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza.

“Recognition plays a great part in our sport and I’m really glad and honoured to be part of these awards where we pay tribute to the true stars of our game,” he added.

All the League’s sponsors in the various competitions had the opportunity to crown players in the respective competitions.

The two hour live event was televised on both SuperSport 4 and SABC 1.

In the Absa Premiership, Orlando Pirates defender, Lucas Thwala walked away with the top honour – the Absa Premiership Player of the Season – an award that came with a R150 000 cheque.

With Telkom having had its own awards ceremony earlier this year, they only needed to make one award on the night for Player of the Tournament for the Telkom Knockout.

Mabhudi Khenyeza, Franklyn Cale and Benson Mhlongo were all in line for the massive R200 000 prize money on offer and in what was an extremely tight decision, the judges went in favour of Cale.

MTN came to the party with a whopping R150 000 for the Last Man Standing Award for the MTN8 Wafa Wafa competition.

A panel of judges comprising of journalists voted unanimously in favour of Gert Schalkwyk who played for Kaizer Chiefs at the time.

After a pulsating Nedbank Cup final yesterday, sponsors Nedbank were on hand to present two awards, Player of the Tournament and Most Promising Player of the Tournament.

Just like last year, the winners of both these awards came from the same club. Pretoria University’s Mthokozisi Yende scooped the Player of the Tournament while Andile Jali picked up the Most Promising Player of the Tournament.

The Chairman’s Award was split in two with two of PSL’s longest serving stalwarts, Andre Arendse and John Maduka sharing the R100 000 prize money as they were rewarded for their excellent contribution to the beautiful game as well as being recognized as true role models.

In other awards made on the evening, Jerome Damon walked away with the Referee of the Season award and Enock Molefe was announced at the Assistant Referee of the Season for the second consecutive year.

FC Cape Town’s Nigerian striker, Emmanuel Eminike won the NFD Award for most goals scored in a season while Super Stadium received recognition for the Best Playing Surface of the Season Award.