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Cape Town - Following a highly engaged judging session of the Absa Premiership individual monthly awards, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane emerged as the winner for the Absa Premiership Coach of the Month for February.
Mosimane was joined on stage at the Premier Soccer League offices for the coveted monthly individual awards by Orlando Pirates on-form winger, Thembinkosi Lorch, who received the Absa Premiership Player of the Month award for February.
The 25-year old, who has come close to snatching the award in previous months during this current campaign, finally got his maiden honour owing to his tremendous display for his club in February.
'Jingles' was selected the best coach for the month following the club’s impressive run of form which saw them go atop the Absa Premiership standings at the end of February- a period where they gathered eight points.
The judging panel praised Mosimane for his incredible and impressive man-management of his star-studded team as well as finding the right balance for his squad during a frantic period, which saw them juggle between playing in the domestic league and continental club football (note: only Absa Premiership fixtures are taken into consideration in judging).
Mosimane’s Mamelodi Sundowns side enjoyed big wins over Black Leopards and Cape Town City, collected a point each away at title challenging rivals Bidvest Wits and when they hosted Polokwane City, while they lost to AmaZulu during the period from January 29 – February 27. During this time, Sundowns scored eight goals and conceded four.
Chippa United’s Clinton Larsen and Kaitano Tembo of SuperSport United were close on the heels of Mosimane in getting the award. They were both praised for the brilliant work produced at their respective teams during February.
Lorch, on the other hand, stood head and shoulders above his colleagues and contenders for the player award. Players such as Lebogang Maboe of
Mamelodi Sundowns, Chippa United’s Gladwin Shitolo and Cape Town City captain Thamsanqa Mkhize were nominated for their impressive efforts in their respective teams.
The Bloemfontein-born Lorch was rewarded for his undeniable consistent form during February, during which he scored a crucial goal in the Soweto Derby and provided two assists in Pirates’ other matches during the month.
His speed, creativity, brilliant pressing game and contribution in keeping Pirates in the title race, saw him get the nod for the player of the month award.
The judges were impressed by how he's been hugely influential for his club even when the chips were down, together with the amazing combination he has developed with the front three.
Mosimane and Lorch will each receive R5 000 from Absa, proud sponsors of the Absa Premiership. Absa congratulates both the coach and player on winning their respective accolades for February.
