PSL awards: Arthur Zwane, Thapelo Mokobodi and Teboho Mokoena recognised

The Premier Soccer League has named Arthur Zwane, Thapelo Mokobodi and Teboho Mokoena as the winners of the Betway Premiership Coach of the Month, Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards for September and October.

Zwane received the coaching prize after leading AmaZulu to five victories from five matches during the period. His results helped Usuthu maintain an unbeaten run alongside the other teams occupying the top three positions in the Premiership.

He was selected ahead of Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and Mamelodi Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso. Ouaddou had won the award in August, while Cardoso’s Sundowns remained at the top of the league standings.

Mokobodi was rewarded for his contribution to Orlando Pirates’ perfect run across the same five-match period. The player provided four assists as the Buccaneers won every game they played.

The Pirates midfielder came through a closely contested shortlist that also included AmaZulu players Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and Nkosikhona Radebe. Both had produced impressive performances during September and October.

Mokoena claimed the Goal of the Month award for his strike against Golden Arrows. His effort was chosen ahead of two notable free-kicks: Vincent Pule’s goal for Marumo Gallants and Luphumlo Sifumba’s set-piece against Milford FC.

The awards covered a particularly congested period in South African football. The Premiership schedule was affected by the MTN8, CAF continental competitions and an extended international break, although a significant number of league fixtures still took place.

Despite the disruption, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu all put together unbeaten runs and occupied the top three positions during the period under review. Those results formed the backdrop to a month in which the league’s leading performers were recognised across coaching, individual play and goal-scoring.

The latest honours therefore went to representatives of three clubs that had made the strongest starts among the leading sides. AmaZulu’s five wins secured the coaching award for Zwane, while Pirates’ identical five-match winning sequence underpinned Mokobodi’s success in the player category.

The Goal of the Month decision completed the awards, with Mokoena’s finish against Golden Arrows judged the best of the three nominated efforts.