PSL Player and coach of the month

Chippa United coach, Tebogo Moloi, and Hlompo Kekana, the Mamelodi Sundowns captain have been named as the Absa Premiership Coach and Player of the Month for November 2017.

The Soweto-born Moloi made his debut on the podium at the Premier Soccer League offices on Monday afternoon to receive his recognition prize in the Absa Premiership monthly recognition awards.

In reaching the decision to award the former Orlando Pirates player Moloi, the judges said they were impressed with how he turned Chippa United around without making a radical change in their style of play. He was particularly commended in the manner he has taken a team with high possession and added an offensive dimension.

During the block of fixtures played from 01 November to 30 November, Moloi’s outfit picked up five points in the club’s three games. Moloi guided his side to an impressive away win at champions Bidvest Wits followed by two draws with Free States Stars and Sundowns, only conceding once in those games last month.

Kekana, no stranger to the awards, won the individual player’s award for the first time in the 2017/18 Absa Premiership season. He emerged the winner in the Player of the Month category as he was seen to have been the key man in stabilising a Sundowns side that has been going through some challenges since the start of the campaign. Hlompho also continued to score crucial goals (two in November), while he also stood out for his impressive defensive work rate, leadership qualities and fighting spirit.

The Players and Coach of the Month awards were selected by a panel of judges made up of members of the broadcast media and football analysts.

Judging panel:

Farouk Khan (convenor), Brian Mathe, Kevan Evans, Amanda Dlamini, Christopher Bongo, Joe Hudla.