[ad_1]
The South African international has won his first individual grand prize for last season’s performances in the Brazilian colors.
Mamelodi Sundowns offensive midfielder Themba Zwane has been crowned the 2019-20 Footballer of the Season by the South African Association of Soccer Journalists (Safja).
The 31-year-old outplayed his teammate Hlompho Kekana, the Kaizer Chiefs duo of Samir Nurkovic and Lebogang Manyama, and former Highlands Park forward Peter Shalulile.
He received his award Tuesday afternoon, just days after Safja released a list of nominees.
BREAKING: Themba Zwane has been crowned the #Safja Footballer of the Season for the 2019/20 season. 🏆👏🏿 #SafjaPremios pic.twitter.com/nfDWxf64XQ
– Goal South Africa (@GoalcomSA) September 29, 2020
Zwane was instrumental in helping the Brazilians win a domestic treble last season.
His incredible consistency coupled with the number of goals and assists recorded made him the strong favorite to beat his rivals in the award.
The Tembisa-born striker finished as the club’s top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions.
He scored all 14 goals in 41 appearances for the Tshwane Giants and also added a whopping 12 assists to his name.
This award may pave the way for Zwane to be crowned the league’s Footballer of the Year.
His teammate Kekana was also a strong contender after an impressive campaign he had despite being one of the oldest players in the league.
The 35-year-old contributed four goals and five assists in Pitso Mosimane’s team’s 44 games, and those goals and assists were crucial for Sundowns to catch up and overtake Amakhosi in the title race.
On the other hand, Nurkovic and Manyama’s contribution to making Amakhosi strong contenders for the title could not be overlooked.
Manyama was directly involved in 17 goals for the Glamor Boys: seven goals and 10 assists.
Nurkovic, meanwhile, was the one who coped the most in front of goal, scoring 14 goals and later finishing as the club’s top scorer, while also registering six assists.
And finally, Shalulile misses the award despite finishing as the league’s top scorer with 16 goals alongside Orlando Pirates forward Gabadinho Mhango.
Since then, the Namibia international has joined Sundowns and will team up with both Zwane and Kekana.
[ad_2]
