The nominees are out for the players who will contest the Nedbank Cup category at the Premier Soccer League’s 2022/23 end of season awards as recognition is given to those who have excelled in this year’s competition.
The final is still to be staged between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on May 27 (kick-off 18h00) but a trio of players in each category has been selected in honour of their performances.
NEDBANK CUP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC)
Rayners is the leading scorer in this year’s Nedbank Cup with six goals, having scored a brace in each of the first three rounds against Swallows FC, TS Galaxy and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. He is a striker in red-hot form and has let his goals do the talking. It seems highly likely he will finish as the leading marksman in the 2023 competition.
Miguel Timm (Orlando Pirates)
Timm has been a stabilising influence in the Orlando Pirates midfield this season, offering an excellent shield to the back four and also able to get his side quickly onto the front foot. His high work-rate is an example to other players and he very rarely has a bad game. He does much of his best work quietly and efficiently but has been a major reason why Pirates are in the Nedbank Cup final this year.
Edwin Gyimah (Sekhukhune United)
Gyimah has been a rock at the back for Sekhukhune United this season and a big factor behind his side conceding just one goal in 390 minutes in the 2023 Nedbank Cup. The tough-tackling Ghanaian centre-back has spent each of the last 12 seasons in the South African topflight, including a spell with final opponents Pirates, and has always been a consistent performer for the sides he has played for.
NEDBANK CUP MOST PROMISING PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Olwethu Makhanya (Stellenbosch FC)
Makhanya was an ever-present in the four games Stellenbosch FC played in the competition, and watching him on the field, it is remarkable to think he is only 19 years old. The centre-back has a great maturity, as well as physical strength, and is one of the brightest prospects in South African football. This Nedbank Cup run has truly helped to raise his profile in what is his first season as a professional.
Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC)
The right winger is also having his breakthrough season at Stellenbosch having had little game-time before this 2022/23 campaign. He has played every game in the Nedbank Cup for the Winelands club and scored an early opener in their remarkable 6-3 away win over TS Galaxy in the Last 16. He is a nightmare for defenders with his pace and skill on the ball and has six goals in all competitions this season.
Sphamandla Gumede (Dondol Stars)
Ex-SuperSport United development goalkeeper Sphamandla Gumede has a new home and helped third-tier Dondol Stars oust his former side from the Nedbank Cup in a shock result in this year’s Last 32. But he wasn’t done there, he then was the hero in a penalty shoot-out as Stars beat another top-tier club in AmaZulu in the Last 16. Next they faced Orlando Pirates and again Gumede was a star man, though he could not help his side to a shoot-out win after a 1-1 draw. He will have caught the eye of many clubs following his Nedbank Cup heroics.
SOURCED FROM THE NEDBANK CUP WEBSITE.
