Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane and Bidvest Wits attacker Gift Motupa have been respectively named as Coach and Player of the Month, while Samir Nurkovic of Kaizer Chiefs won Goal of Month for December.
Coach of the Month: Pitso Mosimane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Both coach and player were honoured after stellar performances in the Absa Premiership at the end of last year. Mosimane, who is no stranger to winning individual monthly accolades, took home the award for the first time in the 2019-20 Absa Premiership campaign.
During the month, Mosimane guided Sundowns to two victories over Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City as well as playing to a 1-1 draw with fellow title-chasers Bidvest Wits. He was chosen ahead of Bidvest Wits’ Gavin Hunt and Norman Mapeza of Chippa United, by a panel of experts made up of commentators, analysts and former players.
The 55-year-old coach was praised for his great player management and maintaining consistency in the league during a period where they travelled regularly out of the country for the Caf Champions League and played in a domestic cup final.
Congratulations to the #AbsaPrem (December 2019) Coach of the Month @Masandawana Coach Pitso Mosimane #AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/0wZTEHZlGC
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) January 23, 2020
Player of the Month: Gift Motupa (Bidvest Wits)
Motupa claimed the Absa Premiership Player of the Month award with two goals and an assist as Bidvest Wits won two fixtures against Cape Town City FC and Lamontville Golden Arrows as well as drawing with Mamelodi Sundowns. He has proven dependable for Bidvest Wits as they juggle between domestic and continental football. This was the 25-year-old’s first Absa Premiership individual monthly award.
Motupa said: ‘My work rate has changed. Coach Gavin Hunt believes in players who work hard and who put in an effort.’
Congratulations to the #AbsaPrem (December 2019) Player of the Month @BidvestWits Gift Motupa
#AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/hgiIqVkGJM— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) January 23, 2020
Absa Premiership Goal of the Month: Samir Nurkovic (Kaizer Chiefs)
Nurkovic was awarded the Absa Premiership Goal of the Month award for December, for his cleverly taken strike from the near post against Bloemfontein Celtic. The goal was chosen by football-loving supporters, who voted for their favourite goal via the Premier Soccer League (PSL) website.
The proud sponsor of the Absa Premiership, Absa, continues to reward football supporters who vote for the winning goal during the 2019-20 campaign. Every month one lucky fan will win the jersey of their favourite Absa Premiership club. The winning fan will be selected through a random draw after voting for their favourite goal.
Shortlisted goals are available on the PSL website for football supporters and the general public to vote for.
Nurkovic said: ‘I want to thank the fans for voting for me for this Goal of the Month. It shows that they appreciate what we are doing as players. I also give credit to my teammates.’
#AbsaPrem (December 2019) Goal of the Month Winner @KaizerChiefs Samir Nurkovic
#AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/TLLkJGcqNN
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) January 23, 2020