Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has conceded that Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch was the deserved winner of the PSL Footballer of the Season award, but he issued a challenge to the winger to display the consistency levels of Hlompho Kekana.

Lorch edged out Mamelodi Sundowns duo Kekana and Themba Zwane to the main prize at the PSL award evening on Sunday night

Mosimane had previously backed his captain for the main prize after his sixth nomination in as many years, and lauded Kekana’s consistency shown over that extended period of time.

However, Lorch was selected by his peers and coaches as the FOTS, and Mosimane admitted that the Pirates man deserved the award, but he then challenged him to repeat this feat and show the consistency of veteran midfielder Kekana.

‘Look, let’s be honest, I think Lorch also deserves Footballer of the Year. Let’s not take it away from him, because the boy played well. He ran all the time, he scored goals,’ said Mosimane.

‘I’m happy Kekana won something before he retires, because he has been consistent for six years, and that’s what I want to see from Lorch. Can he get nominated for Footballer of the Year for six years?

‘I’m a little bit sad for Themba Zwane. He did very well. If it was up to me, I’d give one to Lorch, one to Themba Zwane and one to Keke. That’s if it were me. But it’s not about emotions, it’s not a social welfare where you have to give there and give there. If people have voted, we must respect it.

‘The boy has done well. The challenge is can he do it again? Yes, Kekana can do it again, you know what I’m trying to say. In football excellency is to win repetitively. To do it again. Let’s see, it’s not easy,’ concluded the former Bafana Bafana coach.