Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs brought the curtain down on the 2016/17 season at the club’s annual awards ceremony on Thursday.
The prestigious affair, held in Kyalami, Johannesburg, was attended by Chiefs players (junior and senior), technical staff, administrative staff, sponsors and other dignitaries who have played a role in shaping the brand into the formidable force it is in South African football.
The guests gathered together to honour those who made significant contributions to Amakhosi’s quest for silverware in what was a challenging season and, even though the end result fell short of achieving glory for the club and supporters, it was imperative for the club to acknowledge and reward players’ hard work.
“It is important for the club to review and take note of some of the highlights of the season and show appreciation to all involved in continuing to contribute to the rich history of this institution,” said Kaizer Chiefs executive chairperson Kaizer Motaung on the club's official website.
“It is no secret we were found wanting when it mattered most during the season and the team failed to fulfill our desires and expectations. But learning the key lessons is always important after disappointing results because they will help us to pave the path for success next season.”
On the night, Siphiwe 'Shabba' Tshabalala received the Player of the Season award.
The 32-year-old came good when it mattered most and weighed in with some crucial goals and assists to help the team when the going was tough and fully deserved the staggering R100 000 cheque that accompanies the award.
This is Shabba’s third Player of the Season award in his 10 years with the Glamour Boys. He also bagged the Top Goalscorer award for the 2016/17 season for his tally of eight goals in all competitions, Fans Player of the Season and Goal of the Season.
The Player’s Player of the Year award went to Ramahlwe 'Rama' Mphahlele.
In his first season with Amakhosi, the award was acknowledgement by his peers, who worked with him during training sessions, many travels around the country, off and on the pitch. He received a brand-new Toyota RAV4 vehicle which he will drive for 12 months.
Rama was also awarded the 2016/17 KC Online Player and Fair Play award on the night.
FULL AWARD WINNERS:
Player of the Season: Siphiwe Tshabalala (R100 000)
Fans Player of the Year: Siphiwe Tshabalala (R50 000)
Fair Play Award: Ramahlwe Mphahlele (R20 000)
Top Scorer: Siphiwe Tshabalala (eight goals in all competitions)
Goal of the Season: Siphiwe Tshabalala vs Free State Stars (R20 00)
Online Player of the Season: Ramahlwe Mphahlele (R25 000)
Most Improved Player: Edmore Chirambadare (R30 000)
Players' Player of the Season: Ramahlwe Mphahlele
Player of the Month awards:
- Lorenzo Gordinho (August, September, October)
- Ramahlwe Mphahlele: (November and May)
- Bernard Parker (December)
- Joseph Molangoane: (February and March)
- Siphiwe Tshabalala (April)