Shabba wins SAFA award

Shabba, as Tshabalala is commonly known, scored the opening goal of the 2010 Fifa World Cup against Mexico, which has since been nominated among the best goals for the tournament.

“I am over the moon, this means a lot to me but credit must go to my teammates at the National team because we did things as a collective.

I would also be wrong not to thank the coaches for having trust in me, and all our supporters for being behind the national team through thick and thin.

This is not my award it’s for South Africa, because the goal I scored in the World Cup helped unite the nation and I just want to say Dankie Mzansi,” said an elated Tshabalala.

Defender Janine van Wyk of Palace Super Falcons, walked away with the Banyana Banyana player of the year for 2010.

She was competing against striker Amanda Dlamini and fellow defender and former captain Simphiwe Dludlu.

“I am glad I have won this award, I have waited so long for this opportunity since joining the National team five years ago.

Having an experienced coach like (Augustine) Makalakalane has contributed positively towards my game which led to this award,” said Van Wyk.

Jermaine Seoposenwe has been hailed as the best Under-17 women’s national team (Bantwana) player for 2010. The striker was part of the Banyana Banyana squad for the 7th CAF African Women’s Championship.

“I am excited and can’t really contain myself. It is a great honour to be given this award as it shows there is something I am doing right.

This should serve as a motivation for me to do even more to achieve even greater things,” said Jermaine.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Andile Jali has only been two seasons in the elite Absa Premiership but has been honoured for his performances for both club and country.

He has been chosen as the youth footballer of the year, beating off a strong challenge from his Under-23 teammates Thulani Serero of Ajax Cape and Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Moroka Swallows.

The coach of the year award went to Under-17 coach Solly Luvhengo. He was also in charge when the Under-17 Women’s national team qualified for the 2010 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup held in September in Trinidad and Tobago.

Luvhengo was nominated with Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Simon Ngomane.