Mokoena was crowned PSL Footballer of the Season and DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season, while Saleng walked away with the DStv Premiership Players’ Player of the Season and MTN8 Last Man Standing awards.

The DStv Premiership Coach of the Season award went to Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker, Cassius Mailula, scooped the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season award while Khuliso Mudau and Ronwen Williams won the DStv Premiership Defender and DStv Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season awards respectively.

Cape Town City youngster, Luphumlo Sifumba, grabbed the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season award.

Olwethu Makhanya and Iqraam Rayners (both Stellenbosch FC) took home the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament awards respectively.

FOOTBALLER OF THE SEASON: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
DSTV PREMIERSHIP PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates)
DSTV PREMIERSHIP COACH OF THE SEASON: Rhulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
DSTV PREMIERSHIP GOALKEEPER OF THE SEASON: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
DSTV PREMIERSHIP DEFENDER OF THE SEASON: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
DSTV PREMIERSHIP MIDFIELDER OF THE SEASON: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
DSTV PREMIERSHIP YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns)
DSTV PREMIERSHIP TOP GOAL SCORER: Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City)
Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns
DSTV PREMIERSHIP GOAL OF THE SEASON: Yusuf Maart (Kaizer Chiefs)
MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP TOP GOAL SCORER: Ashley Cupido (Cape Town Spurs)
MTN8 LAST MAN STANDING: Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates)
NEDBANK CUP MOST PROMISING PLAYER OF TOURNAMENT: Olwethu Makhanya (Stellenbosch FC)
NEDBANK CUP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC)
DSTV DISKI CHALLENGE PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Luphumlo Sifumba (Cape Town City)
DSTV DISKI CHALLENGE TOP GOAL SCORER: Mervin Boji (Stellenbosch FC)
PSL CHAIRMAN’S AWARD: Peter “Squire” Mancer, Alex “Goldfinger” Shakoane

Pirates won the MTN8 earlier this season and stand a chance to win a domestic cup double if they beat Babina Noko. The Nedbank Cup final is will kick off at 18:00 on Saturday.

“I think we have prepared well,” Erasmus told the Pirates website. “We’ve got our plans for how they might approach the game, but you know it could change. It also could be the same, but we are prepared for whatever might happen on the day.”

The 32-year-old is on his second spell with the Buccaneers. In 2013, he joined from Supersport United and his brace during the 2013/14 Nedbank Cup Final helped Pirates beat Bidvest Wits 3-1.

“Being at a club like Orlando Pirates, it’s obviously important to help bring silverware to the club,” adds Erasmus.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to achieve that. Hopefully, we’ll be ready on the day and give everything to make that possible.”

“A Cup Final is obviously always something great to be a part of and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to be involved. It’s just about giving my best for the team.

“Hopefully, we can be victors on the day. We have a lot of respect for our opposition and we’re not taking anything for granted. We’ll go in there and give our best, and our best will hopefully bring the trophy home.”

Erasmus says being expected to deliver in the big moments is a challenge he has become accustomed to taking on. “It’s something I accept and take on the best way I can,” he said.

“I just give my best whenever I’m given the chance to don the jersey. I’m blessed to be able to deliver on big games, and hopefully I can do the same on Saturday.”

LIFE CHALLENGE CUP
1971: Kaizer Chiefs 2 Orlando Pirates 2 (after extra time)
Replay: Kaizer Chiefs 2 Orlando Pirates 1

1972: Kaizer Chiefs 4 Zulu Royals 1
1973 Orlando Pirates 5 Zulu Royals 2
1974 Orlando Pirates 1 Amazulu 0
1975 Orlando Pirates 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1 (After Extra Time)

BENSON & HEDGES TROPHY
1976 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0
1977 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0

MAINSTAY CUP
1978 Wits University 3 Kaizer Chiefs 2
1979 Kaizer Chiefs 3 Highlands Park FC 3 (aet)
Replay: Chiefs 2 Highlands 0
1980 Orlando Pirates 3 Moroka Swallows 2
1981 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (aet)
Replay: Chiefs 3 Pirates 1
1982 Kaizer Chiefs 2 African Wanders 1
1983 Moroka Swallows 1 Witbank Black Aces 0
1984 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Orlando Pirates 0
1985 Bloemfontein Celtic 2 African Wanderers 1 (After Extra Time)
1986 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Jomo Cosmos 0 (After Extra Time)
1987 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Amazulu 0

BOB SAVE SUPER BOWL
1988 Orlando Pirates 0 Kaizer Chiefs 0 (aet)
Replay: Orlando Pirates 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1
1989 Moroka Swallows 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 (aet)
Replay: Moroka Swallows 5 Mamelodi Sundowns 1
1990 Jomos Cosmos 1 Amazulu 0
1991 Moroka Swallows 2 Jomo Cosmos 1 (After Extra Time)
1992 Kaizer Chiefs 2 Jomo Cosmos 1 (aet)
1993 Witabank Aces 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0
1994 Vaal Professionals 1 QwaQwa Stars 0
1995 Cape Town Spurs 3 Pretoria City 2
1996 Orlando Pirates 1 Jomo Cosmos 0
1998 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (After Extra Time)
Replay: Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Orlando Pirates 1 (After Extra Time, Sundowns wins 6-5 on penalties)
1999 Supersport United 2 Kaizer Chiefs 1
2000 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 0
2001 Santos 1 Mamelodi Sundowns 0
2002 No competition

ABSA CUP
2003 Santos 2 Ajax Cape Town 0
2004 Moroka Swallows 3 Manning Rangers 1
2005 Supersport United 1 Wits University 0
2006 Kaizer Chiefs 0 Orlando Pirates 0
(After Extra Time, Chiefs win 5-3 on penalties)
2007 Ajax Cape Town 2 Mamelodi Sundowns 0

NEDBANK CUP
2008 Mamelodi Sundowns 1 Mpumalanga Black Aces 0
2009 Moroka Swallows 1 University of Pretoria 0
2010 Bidvest Wits 3 Amazulu 0
2011 Orlando Pirates 3 Black Leopards 1
2012 Supersport United 2 Mamelod Sundowns 0
2013 Kaizer Chiefs 1 Supersport United 0
2014 Orlando Pirates 3 Bidvest Wits 1
2015 Mamelodi Sundowns 0 Ajax Cape Town 0
(aet, Sundowns win 4-3 on penalties)
2016 Supersport United 3 Orlando Pirates 2
2017 Supersport United 4 Orlando Pirates 1
2018 Maritzburg United 0 Free State Stars 1
2019 TS Galaxy 1 Kaizer Chiefs 0
2020 Bloemfontein Celtic 0 Mamelodi Sundowns 1
2021 Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 1 Chippa United 0
2022 Mamelodi Sundowns 2 Marumo Gallants 1

Top-scorers since 2008: Kermit Erasmus, Thembinkosi Lorch, Oupa Manyisa, Tendai Ndoro (5)

Pirates Nedbank Cup Record
2008: Round of 32
2009: Round of 16
2010: Quarter-finalists
2011: Winners
2012: Round of 16
2013: Round of 32
2014: Winners
2015: Round of 16
2016: Runners’ Up
2017: Runners’ Up
2018: Round of 16
2019: Round of 32
2020: Round of 32
2021: Quarter-finalist
2022: Round of 16

Sekhukhune United
Appearances since 2008: 3
Record since 2008:
Played: 6
Wins: 3
Draws: 2
Losses: 1
Goals For: 12
Goals Against: 5

Top-scorers since 2008: Rodrick Kabwe, Chibuike Ohizu (2)

Sekhukhune United Nedbank Cup Record:
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32
Years played: 16 (since 2008)

Head-to-Head:

Played: 4
Orlando Pirates won: 2
Sekhukhune United won: 1
Draws: 1
Orlando Pirates goals: 4
Sekhukhune United goals: 4

Most trophy wins by a team: 4 (Mamelodi Sundowns – 2008, 2015, 2020, 2022)
Most wins by a coach: 3 (Stuart Baxter – 2013, 2016, 2017)
Most matches played by a team: 55 (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Most matches won by a team: 41 (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Most goals scored by a team: 123 (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Most goals scored by a player: 14 (Peter Shalulile)

The Spaniard joined the Buccaneers at the beginning of the season and won the MTN8. This weekend he will have an opportunity to win a second trophy against Sekhukhune United.

“Any game we are going to play we have to accept that role and pressure,” Riveiro said. “But it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be an easy game.

“We have to be mentally prepared for a very difficult game because it’s a Final and it’s also against a very difficult team [Sekhukhune United].

“They showed it several times this season, especially when they faced favourites, we know what’s coming and we know the amount of running we have to do to be the winning team at the end of the match.”

Riveiro said he is not surprised that that Orlando Pirates is one the teams fighting to win the Nedbank Cup Final also embraced the challenge that comes with coaching a team a big team.

“Where we are it’s the reason why we have an opportunity to fight for titles. We have a fantastic structure; we have a big squad full of talent that allows us to dream about it,” adds Riveiro.

“It’s not a surprise that we are one of the teams fighting for the title. When we started the season at the club like this it’s obvious that you think about being in the Final.

But bringing titles requires a lot of things that must happen during the season. Dynamics, injuries, piece of luck – but we are in the right place and it’s not a surprise to see us in the last game. “It’s been a long journey but I’m happy that we are the only team that has played every possible this season.”
By Zola Doda

PSL Footballer of the Season Nominees
Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates)
Tebogo Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Player’s Player of the Season Nominees
Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates)
Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Coach of the Season Nominees
Rulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Jose Riveiro (Orlando Pirates)
Gavin Hunt (Supersport United)

Goalkeeper of the Season Nominees
Ricardo Goss (Supersport United)
Salim Magoola (Richards Bay)
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defender of the Season Nominees
Given Masango (TS Galaxy)
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielder of the Season Nominees
Tebogo Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates)
Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Young Player of the Season Nominees
Thapelo Maseko (Supersport United)
Olwethu Makhanya (Stellenbosch FC)
Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Nedbank Cup: Player of the Tournament Nominees
Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch)
Miguel Timm (Orlando Pirates)
Edwin Gymah (Sekhukhune United)

Nedbank Cup: Most Promising Player nominees
Olwethu Makhanya (Stellenbosch FC)
Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC)
Sphamandla Gumede (Dondol Stars)

MTN8: Last Man Standing Nominees
Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates)
Miguel Timm (Orlando Pirates)
George Maluleke (Amazulu)

DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season Nominees
Relebohile Ratomo (Orlando Pirates)
Shandre Campbell (Supersport United)
Luphumlo Sifumba (Cape Town City)

Referee of the Season Nominees
Abongile Tom
Sikhumbuzo Gasa
Masixole Gasa

Assistant Referee of the Season Nominees
Kamohelo Ramutsindela
Khamusi Razwimisani
Xolani Boneni

The Buccaneers took the lead through Terrence Dzvukamanja on the 31st minute before Edwin Gymah made it 1-1 seven minutes later.

“Getting four points from Pirates in a season is a massive achievement,” said Truter. “I’m very happy with the boys’ performance and tactical flexibility. I think we carried ourselves very well. In the first half we struggled a bit in our attack – getting out from the D block.

“But in the second half, when we brought in Elias Mokwano and Sepana Letsoalo, we created one or two chances and we could have snatched it at the end.”

The two sides will meet again in the Nedbank Cup Final on Saturday, 27 May at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

“I’m happy for the boys and the points – it also sets us up for a good [Nedbank Cup] final,” adds Truter. “We still have Supersport United in the last league game of the season to secure a place in the top eight.”
By Zola Doda

The 30-year-old suffered an injury in the 1-0 defeat against Sekhukhune United. Talking about the situation, Kaizer Chiefs coach, Arthur Zwane, said Amakhosi will miss the injured players.

“We miss all the players that have been out, not only Keagan, more especially when we are looking for chemistry,” said Zwane.

“Unfortunately, we had a lot of injuries to key players, as well as suspensions and unforeseen circumstances beyond our control and we had to chop and change the team.

“It has been the most difficult season I’ve had since I have been here because of all that. We can’t dwell on that, though. We have to try to come up with a solution, a new plan to make sure we accommodate everyone because we also have other players who haven’t been playing regularly.

“So, you have seen we have given the opportunity to Happy Mashiane to play; and KG (Kgaogelo Sekgota) as well, to bring back their confidence.

“Though we lost to Swallows, the guys applied themselves well. In the game before, I think we showed a lot of character against Chippa. I just hope the guys will show the same character, discipline and tactical endurance against Orlando Pirates.”

Head-to-Head
Matches Played: 4
Stellenbosch wins: 0
Sekhukhune United wins: 1
Draws: 3
Stellenbosch Goals: 3
Sekhukhune United Goals: 4

Stellenbosch FC Nedbank Cup Record
Appearances since 2008: 6
Record since 2008:
Matches Played: 9
Wins: 4
Draws: 1
Losses: 4
Goals For: 17
Goals Against: 15
Top-scorers since 2008: Iqraam Rayners (7)

Nedbank Cup Record:
2017: Round of 32
2018: Round of 16
2020: Round of 32
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32

Sekhukhune United Nedbank Cup Record
Appearances since 2008: 3
Record since 2008:
Matches Played: 5
Wins: 3
Draws: 1
Loses: 1
Goals For: 12
Goals Against: 5
Top-scorers since 2008: Rodrick Kabwe, Vusimuzi Mncube, Chibuike Ohizu (2)

Nedbank Cup Record:
2021: Round of 32
2022: Round of 32

Years played: 16 (since 2008)
Most trophy wins by a team: 4 – Mamelodi Sundowns (2008, 2015, 2020, 2022)
Most wins by a coach: 3 – Stuart Baxter (2013, 2016, 2017)
Most matches played by a team: 55 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most matches won by a team: 41 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most goals scored by a team: 123 – Mamelodi Sundowns
Most goals scored by a player: 14 – Peter Shalulile

Chiefs meet Pirates in the 178th Soweto Derby and the winner will progress to the Final. “We all know that games like this are difficult for everyone,” said Zwane. “Pirates are also unpredictable, so, as things stand they are doing very well.

“We are coming into this game as underdogs so the only thing that is left for us is to believe in ourselves and go to FNB Stadium with one thing in our minds, to keep going and give our best and make sure we come out victorious.”

Orlando Pirates are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions with the last defeat coming in February against Kaizer Chiefs. On the other, hand Amakhosi are coming from a defeat against Swallows.

“Losing every time before the Derby counts for nothing, to be quite honest,” adds Zwane. “It’s a different ball game altogether. We all know that you can’t rely on history. It’s about how we will apply ourselves, and also what Pirates are going to bring to us, so it’s not going to be an easy game.”

“Pirates are oozing confidence, but they are coming into this game also knowing very well that they are playing a Kaizer Chiefs that is wounded, so we will give our best and we are going to FNB (Stadium) to win the game.”

“In terms of preparations, last time we got it right, but as their coach says this time it will be a different Orlando Pirates, so only time will tell; that’s all I can say.”
By Zola Doda