Mnisi United awards players
Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe graced the event with his presence along with former soccer player Themba Mavuso.
Despite the lack of financial support from parents, Mnisi United continued with plans to host its annual award ceremony to celebrate young boys and girls at World Alive Ministries Church on December 11.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe and former soccer player Themba Mavuso graced the event with their presence.
Although not all parents attended the event, Mnisi United FC secretary Thuli Shabangu was pleased with the number of attendees.
She thanked all parents who showed up to support their children.
Awards as per category and division are:
• Players of the season are Itumeleng Montso (U15), Olothando Nompuku (U13) and Kgaule Motsoane (U11).
• Defenders of the season awards were received by Nqobani Makhobo (U15), Uyanda Futwa (U13) and Langalakhe Mthinyane (U11).
• Midfielders of the season include Lesego Sethosa (U15), Mbulelo Ngwenya (U13) and Tiisetso Muchanga (U11).
• Top goal scorers were Bukho Mvakwendlu (U15), Lesego Lerotholi (U13) and Tiisetso Muchanga (U11).
• Goalkeepers of the season were Thulani Mthimkhulu (U15), Nqobile Ntuli (U13) and Syamthanda Mngadi (U11).
• Most improved players of the season were Lwazi Malethe (U15), Ntokozo Sejane (U13) and (U11).
• Best newcomers include Teboho Rathebe (U15), Katleho Nyembe (U13) and Wondile Mokoena (U11).
• The most disciplined players of the season were Kwazi Khumalo (U15), Hlomelani Mbane (U13) and Sipho Sithole (U11).
• Goals of the season were awarded to Sibusiso Nduze (U15), Lebohang Mafate (U13) and Thamsonga Ngwenya (U11).
• Chairman awards went to Sentle Hlahatsi (U15), Wayne Sebei (U13) and Hlelo Mpungose (u11).
The founder and head coach of Mnisi United, Tebogo Malangabe, said the club was on the verge of closing its doors this year due to a lack of support from parents.
In his message during the 2021 award ceremony, he said it was difficult to organise the awards because the club does not have sponsors. As a result, the management had to dig deep into their pockets to ensure that the players were celebrated.
Makaringe and Mavuso echoed his sentiments, using their careers as examples of successful township players who also got very little to nothing in terms of support from parents.
The pair encouraged players to remain committed to sports, but most importantly education because a sports career is not guaranteed.
