What a great 2008/09 season in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) ahead of the 2009 Confederations Cup (from 14 to 28 June) and the 2010 World Cup. So Diskioff went around the country asking soccer-loving people which players impressed them in the PSL, and with a surprise we got a lot of names. We went to garages, soccer grounds, shebeens, sport bars and our favourite place… chesa nyamas.After our grueling trips we’re sure supporters will be happy to see some of their favourite players in the Diskioff Player of the Season list. It was not easy to choose these players especially after debates about the likes of Tenashe Nengomasha, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Anthony Laffor, Franklin Cale, Dikgang Mabalane and Abia Nale not making the list.
Diskioff had a tough choice to choose who to leave out and who to put in. However, we believe the top ten players Diskioff has chosen played their best football and deserve to be on the list. With the help of our soccer-loving people we came up with these players.
DISKOFF 2008/09 PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
• Mabhuti Khenyeza – Ajax Cape Town
Urban Warriors’ Player of the Year. Khenyeza was a revelation for Ajax this season and a player who could score goals at any angle. His efforts earned him a couple of call-ups to the national team this season.
• Lucas Thwala – Orlando Pirates
Buccaneers’ Player of the Year and the leading goal-scorer at Mighty Bucs. He was the rock at the back, making sure strikers feel the pain when the visited HOUSE OF PAIN. He was consistent the whole season.
• Richard Henyekane – Golden Arrows
The PSL leading scorer and part of Golden Arrows’ brilliant wins against Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns early in the season. He scored three hat-tricks this season making him the only player to do that in the PSL.
• Daine Klate – Supersport United
He is still overlooked at Bafana Bafana. Ask Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns supporters and players which player they wouldn’t wish see when they play United. Klate’s name is the first on the list. He was instrumental to United winning back their PSL trophy.
• Siphiwe Tshabalala – Kaizer Chiefs
Playing his best season for Amakhosi and proving to the nation that he has what it takes to wear the Bafana jersey. Amakhosi Player of the Year and a player Chiefs would love to keep in their camp for another season to guide the midfield.
• Teko Modise – Orlando Pirates
Bucs and Bafana Bafana general played his best season ever for his local team and our national team. Teko’s diski style was too much for many teams in the PSL and the man who guided Bucs to their first ever double win against Amakhosi in one season.
• Ruben Cloete – Free State Stars
Played his heart out for Stars and help the team from Free State claim position four in the PSL. Cloete’s good space, skill and deadly crosses were proof that this player was not on vacation.
• Surprise Moriri – Mamelodi Sundows
The only player who knew where the net was for the Brazilians this season. Moriri’s injuries made him fail to display his class like the previous seasons.
• Benson Mhlongo – Orlando Pirates
Amabhakabhaka’s ever so hard-working player and his experience was another key to Bucs this season in defence. Mhlongo’s abilities to move from defence to attack opened more chances for Mabalane and Teko to showcase their magic on the field.
• Elias Pelembe – Supersport United
The engine of Supersport United. Pelembe was hard in the middle and scored crucial goals for United this season. He didn’t showcase his true class like last season, but was a player that made a difference for United this season when he was called to help.
VOTE and WIN a DISKIOFF T-shirt
Email: proffesor.khumalo.diskioff@gmail.com and NAME of PLAYER!!!
Competition ends 30 June 2009
