Pirates reject bags major award at SuperSport United awards

Orlando Pirates reject Thulani Hlatshwayo was named the Player of the Season at the SuperSport United’s end of the season awards on Monday.

ALSO READ: Zwane carrying on with job despite doubts over his future at Chiefs

Hlatshwayo, who had a disastrous one season spell with the Soweto giants, had an outstanding season with Matsatsantsa and his award did not come as a surprise.

The former Bafana Bafana captain joined the Buccaneers as a top signing in 2020 and a lot was expected from him, especially at the time when Pirates needed a solid centre-back.

He was named as one of the Pirates captains, alongside veteran Happy Jele, who has also since left the club. But, Hlatshwayo’s career at Bucs took a nose-dive and he was constantly being blamed for many of the team’s defeats after making some errors in their games.

But since his arrival at SuperSport, he has managed to lift himself up and get back to his best by adding to a firm rearguard of Gavin Hunt’s team.

The defender played 24 games for Matsatsantsa, as the Pretoria outfit finished the DStv Premiership season in position three on the league standings with 51 points and qualified for the Caf Confederation Cup.

SuperSport only conceded 22 goals in the league this season, becoming one of the four teams to have conceded less goals this campaign.

The award should be a morale booster for the defender, who was pretty much written off at Pirates.

He will be looking to make more impact at SuperSport next season, especially with the club going to play in Africa.

ALSO READ: Riveiro praises ‘outstanding’ Saleng after Pirates rout AmaZulu

Meanwhile, midfielder Grant Margeman, who is on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, was named Player’s Player of the Season for his sterling performances for the team.

Thapelo Maseko walked away with the Young Player of the Year award, Bradley Grobler took the top scorer accolade.

Hunt got the Chairman’s award and reserves team player Shandre Campbell was named the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) top goal-scorer and Player of the season awards.

Furthermore, the Thomas Madigage award went to DDC coaches Thabo September and Roscoe Krieling, while the coach’s award went to Gape Moralo and Innocent Mchunu (physical trainer).