'Shabba' named Kaizer Chiefs' player of the season at club awards

[caption id="attachment_206698" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Siphiwe Tshabalala named Player of the Season during the Kaizer Chiefs end of season awards evening at Theatre on the Track, Kyalami on June 01, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa
Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images[/caption]

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala was named the club’s player of the season at their awards ceremony in Kyalami on Thursday night.

In a campaign where Chiefs failed to win silverware for the second season in succession‚ Tshabalala was one of the few outstanding performers as he ended as Amakhosi’s leading goal scorer in the league with seven goals to his name.

Tshabalala‚ who won his third player of the season award in his 10 years with the club‚ walked away with R100 000.

He also bagged the top goalscorer award season for his tally of eight goals in all competitions‚ fan player of the season and best goal of the season.

The other big winner on the night was Bafana Bafana defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele who was named the player’s player of the year in his first season with Amakhosi and he was rewarded a brand new car he will drive for a year.

Mphahlele also walked away with Chiefs’ online player and fair play awards‚ which were recognition for his outstanding individual performances during the season where Amakhosi finished fourth and 10 points adrift of champions Bidvest Wits.

“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‚” Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung said.

“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.”

The chairman’s award went to stalwart of the club and former PRO Louis ‘Sprinter’ Tshakoane whose tireless dedication helped the club gain prominence in South African football.

“You cannot talk about Kaizer Chiefs in the 80s and 90s without mentioning Louis‚” said Motaung.

“Louis’s character‚ flamboyance and passion really livened up the mood in stadiums across the country. It is important to honour him and truly thank him for his work.”