In the race for the PSL Player of the Season award, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has thrown his hat behind one of his star players.
The coveted PSL Player of the Season award recognises a player who weaves consistency throughout the DStv Premiership campaign. Last year, midfielder Teboho Mokoena etched his name on the trophy after a stellar season marked by unwavering performances.
This season, the race for the award is wide open, with players from various clubs making strong cases with their impressive performances.
But Mokwena has picked goalkeeper Ronwen Williams as his favourite to win the Player of the Season award. However, in the football fraternity, it’s rare for goalkeepers to win such awards worldwide.
RULANI MOKWENA TIPS RONWEN WILLIAMS FOR TOP PSL AWARD
This season, Williams has played 38 appearances in all competitions. He has managed 27 clean sheets and conceded 13 goals.
“I think there’s been an unorthodox frontrunner, and that’s Ronwen Williams. It’s unorthodox because we normally don’t consider goalkeepers to receive such awards,” said Mokwena.
“I’m talking by football culture, worldwide, that’s why they started creating individual awards like the Golden Glove for the goalkeeper. Really, it’s an award that very seldom goes to the goalkeeper.
“But when I look at Ronwen’s contribution this season to Sundowns, not just only as a goalkeeper but also on in-field play, in possession in the way he tries to do things. I think he’s been head and shoulders, and from a level of consistency, he’s been head and shoulders above the rest.”
“What Ronwen has done this season will shape South African goalkeeping culture for many years. What we’ll start to see is teams will start recruiting goalkeepers because they can play with their feet and assist in the build-up. More than looking at a goalkeeper because he can stop shots.”
OTHER PLAYERS THAT RULANI MOKWENA SAYS DESERVE TO WIN THE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Despite Williams being Mokwena’s favourite to win the award, the mentor further mentioned other players that he believes deserve to win the top award.
This includes Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswangayi, Sundowns trio Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, and Aubrey Modiba, and Stellenbosch FC stars Iqraam Rayners, Ismail Toure and Lehlohonolo Mojela of TS Galaxy.
“…Patrick Maswanganyi deserves special mention because I’ve been watching,” added Mokwena. “He’s picking up towards the end of the season, and you know how the mind works, it’s picking up recently.
“At the moment, he is playing well, and he has made a great contribution to that.
“I think Teboho Mokoena has been good once again. He’s been at a very good level. He’s had patches where he’s been up and down, up and down. I think Mosa Lebusa has been excellent, that is been my opinion. Mosa has been hindered by injuries but Mosa has had an incredible season.
Mokwena added: “Aubrey Modiba has been excellent just before AFCON, and there’s been, of course, a dip, and in the last few games, there has been an increase. Khuliso ‘Sailor’ Mudau, the beginning of the season, was phenomenal.
“… Even at Stellenbosch, there have been some very good performances. I think Toure at the back has been very good in the games that I’ve watched. Rayners has been good in the games that I’ve watched, I think Titus has been very good for them – his speed, his aggression, his ability to get behind the line.”
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