Stars behind Selati Cup get their dues at awards ceremony
All of the Selati Cup stars, whether they excelled on the field or behind the scenes, were rewarded during the tournament's annual awards ceremony at Malelane Golf Club on Friday night.
The Selati Cup Awards last Friday night concluded the 12th edition of the popular tournament.
It was held at the Malelane Golf Club and among the attendees were the Mpumalanga MEC for culture, sports, art and recreation, Thandi Shongwe, Derek van Niekerk of RCL Foods, as well as municipal manager Dan Ngwenya and Speaker Siphiwe Mashele.
This year former players who made the big leagues were also singled out.
Bafana Bafana defender, Lucas Thwala, was present and recognised for his amazing journey from the Selati Cup tournament to SuperSport United and then the national team.
They also mentioned Jabulani Dladla, the face of the Selati Cup, who moved up the ranks to Golden Arrows.
Over R100 000 prize money and the coveted Selati Cup were handed over to new champions, Boschfontein FC.
Schoemansdal Super Strikers were also congratulated as the ladies’ winners.
For the second consecutive year, Penuel Mathebula of Boschfontein FC was voted Player of the Tournament. He said it is a massive morale booster and hopes that he caught the eyes of scouts for professional teams as he would “really love to try out in the big leagues”.
Boschfontein FC’s coach, Mkhari “Shakes” Shabangu was humbled to be named coach of the year. He said he is looking forward to defending the title next year and will work harder to achieve it.
Other individual awards were:
• Female player of the tournament – Dansile Mahlalela
• Referee of the Tournament – Douglas Metiso • Linesman of the tournament – Prince Mayeyane
• Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Skhumbuzo Gumede of Boschfontein FC
• Young Player of the Tournament (u/23) – Elias Langa of Tonga Chelsea
• Match Commissioner of the Tournament – Zukes Kubhayi
Nonthando Nkosi of Nkomazi ladies and Bongumusa Mabuza of Mbokodo Wanderers were named top goalscorers, tied at eight goals each.
• Most goals scored in a match:
Sanele Khanyile of Schulzendal Eleven – five
Abendnico Khoza of Magogeni Junior Pirates – five
Motsei Moekesti of Schulzendal Eleven experience – six
Abendnico Khoza of Magogeni Junior Pirates – six.
These deserving players were not only motivated to repeat their stellar performance, but may also get their chance to play for major league teams.
The Selati Cup is one of the largest platforms where scouts can get a look at grassroots talent and this talent is developed further.
U/13 and u/15 boys teams, as well as open girls and women’s teams, were added to the tournament this year in an effort to develop young talent.
The tournament has a following of thousands, with stakeholders looking at upgrading the stadiums to relieve overcrowding during major matches.
Several speakers also mentioned that fans need to be educated over proper behavior and that security needed to be increased.
This year there were several incidents of fans throwing bottles and other items onto the field to express their displeasure.
GALLERY: Selati Cup 2018 winners rewarded at ceremony
