Local team XI Experience held its award ceremony on Saturday
Players who showcased brilliance, improvement, commitment and dedication received certificates and trophies.
Kwa-Thema – XI Experience players were honoured for their hard work by the club at the Lutheran Church on Saturday.
The best players for the season were awarded certificates and trophies.
The team missed out on representing the region at the provincial playoffs when they played against Luso Africa in the Ekurhuleni SAB League finale.
The winners were:
• Dedicated player: Loyiso Mokoena
• Disciplined player: Lucky Nkosi
• Promising player: Lebohang Matshaba
• Improved player: Siphiwe Nkosi
• Best assist player: Mthobisi Mandosela
• Academic player: Tumelo Pome
• Younger player of the season: Siphesihle Twala
• Golden boot (best scorer): Kagiso Tjia
• Best player of the season: Siphumelele Mkatu
• Players’ player voted for by the team: Kagiso Tjia
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The team’s chairperson, Velly Khumalo, said they were rewarding players who have contributed fully to the team.
“Not to say that others did not perform well. If it were up to me the entire team would be rewarded. I would like to congratulate my coaches for a job well done as we prepare ourselves for the upcoming season with the hope that God will be with us.
“I would like to congratulate Luso Africa for winning the league, we wish them all the best,” said Khumalo.
He said they are working on a comeback strategy as they resume training on July 6.
The team’s SAB coach, Madoda Mgezana, spoke about the importance of hosting award ceremonies to uplift the spirits of the players.
“It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on our performance and work on our weaknesses. We have lost twice now in the finals but I want to encourage them not to give up,” he said.
The club is pushing for the league to have one stream instead of the current two streams.
“Having one stream would make the league more interesting and challenging. At the end of the day what’s the point of winning your stream only to lose to the winners of the other stream. If you lose, you lose, period,” he added.
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Mgezana had signed for a three-season deal with the team. With this being his last season, he stated he doesn’t feel any pressure at all.
“I know my job so there’s no need for me to feel pressured. My only worry is getting the players we need for restructuring.
“Losing to Luso was due to not having enough experienced players. As a team, we pride ourselves on pushing the young players, which is good but in this league we also need experienced players who are good at attacking and can think quickly on their feet,” he explained.
Chairman’s Award recipients were Luyanda Ntuli, Siboniso Nkosi, Sibusiso Mahlangu and Gadi Qwele (captain), Junior Motha and Thulani Nyambose.
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