Sibusiso Vilakazi of Bidvest Wits did it. He won all the awards from the categories he was nominated in. Vilakazi bagged the ABSA Premiership Footballer of the Season, ABSA Premiership Players' Player of the Season and Nedbank Cup Player of the tournament. He also walked away with R550 000 in prize money.
TELKOM KNOCKOUT PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - R200 000
Mogakolodi Ngele (Stars)
MTN8 LAST MAN STANDING - R80 000
Robert Ng'ambi (Stars)
NEDBANK CUP MOST PROMISING PLAYER - R50 000
Kwanda Mngonyama (Wits)
NEDBANK CUP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT - R150 000
Sibusiso Vilakazi (Wits)
NATIONAL FIRST DIVISION TOP GOAL SCORER
David Zulu
ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE SEASON - R40 000
Edward Madidilane
REFEREE OF THE SEASON - R50 000
Zolile Mthetho
ABSA PREMIERSHIP GOALKEEPER OF THE SEASON - R50 000
Itumeleng Khune (Chiefs)
ABSA PREMIERSHIP HOT YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON - R50 000
Keagan Dolly (Ajax)
ABSA PREMIERSHIP COACH OF THE SEASON - R75 000
Pitso Mosimane (Sundowns)
ABSA PREMIERSHIP TOP GOAL SCORER - R25 000
Bernard Parker (Chiefs)
ABSA PREMIERSHIP ABSA-LUTELY AWESOME GOAL OF THE SEASON - R50 000
Hlompho Kekana (Sundowns)
ABSA PREMIERSHIP PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE SEASON - R150 000
Sibusiso Vilakazi (Wits)
CHAIRMAN'S AWARD
Mato Madlala
FOOTBALLER OF THE SEASON - R250 000
Sibusiso Vilakazi (Wits)
Congratulations to all the winners. I guess you all deserved it. I hope those who watched, enjoyed themselves. But just like everything else, there's always room for improvement.
The awards were moved from last year's venue to the Sandton Convention Centre, which appeared to be more spacious. They kept the same hosts, Robert Marawa, Thomas Mlambo, Carol Tshabalala and Minnie Dlamini. Whose outfits complimented the blue of the Telkom Knockout, the yellow of the MTN8, the green of the Nedbank Cup and the red of the ABSA Premiership.
Entertainment comprised of Mafikizolo, who also performed last year if I'm not mistaken, some contemporary dance (I think) and Zahara's tribute to the late Nelson Mandela. People seem to enjoy Uhuru, Mi Casa and Dr Malinga, I thought they would also be in the line-up.
When it was time for Fikile Mbalula to present the final award, he mentioned his infamous statement - 'bunch of losers' - but he didn't apologise for it. Many will consider it as water under the bridge, I just don't think so. There shouldn't be room for pride and ego's in soccer, it just destroys the beautiful game.
Personally, the awards took too long. From the red carpet through to Mamelodi Sundowns lifting their trophy - it felt like a music awards show.
