Alexandra’s Malandela Mighty Heroes Football Club held a ceremony to honour its heroes on the football pitch following the end of the season.
All players in the club’s U13, U15 and U17 divisions were given participation certificates while the outstanding ones were also given certificates and medals in recognition of their efforts on and off the pitch in 2014 season of the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association.
The awards were handed by U13 coach Vincent Ramofi assisted by seniors’ coach Theo Hlongwane and director, businessmen and Wits University industrial engineer Simon Dlamini of Edenvale-based Malandela Industrial Engineers, and club chairperson Themba Ngema.
Hlongwane urged the players from the various awards divisions, including the seniors who were not part of the awards as their 2014/15 season league has just started, to be always disciplined, listen to their coaches, attend training session at all times and stay away from alcohol, drugs and other criminal activities, while Ramofi implored the players to stay focused and do what they know best, best, which is playing football.
Among those who received individual awards in the U13s were Alexandra’s other Messi [there are two youngsters going by that name – the other is Joseph Maphuruma] Tshepang Phala who got away with the Players Player of the Season award, Lawrence Mogano for Player of the Season, Thato Mtshali for Most Disciplined Player, Sithule Zulu for Most Dedicated Player and Nkululeko Nkosi for Most Improved Player.
The U15 were Thabang Mnguni (Players Player of the Season and Most Dedicated Player); Bandile Mabaso (Player of the Season); Tebatso Mokonyane (Most Disciplined Player); and Tshepo Tladi (Most Improved Player).
The U17 were Lebogang Ngwenya (Players Player of the Season); Ntlantla Badumedi (Player of the Season); Tebogo Mkhonza (Most Disciplined Player); Mpho Sema (Most Dedicated Player); and Nomala Sibonile (Most Improved Player).
The club’s U13 team finished second on the log with 50 points, behind Banakekeleni which had 65 points. The U15 completed the season on position five with 33 points, behind Super Stars who had 48 points. The U17s finished seven on the log with 46 points, behind winners TDS with 59 points.
“Overally, I am quite pleased with the performance of the various divisions of the team though there is still room for improvement. I look forward to an even better 2015 season,” said chairperson Ngema.
Meanwhile, Ramofi announced that one of his players, Lebogang Ngwenya, who was not present to receive his award, has since been signed by Witbank Spurs on a three-year deal. Ngwenya was absent as he was relocating to eMalahleni as Witbank is now known.