Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is backing captain Hlompho Kekana to win the PSL Footballer of the Season award.

The 33-year-old has been nominated for the Footballer of the Season four times before, but has never managed to walk away with the prestigious accolade.

Kekana was bested by the likes of Lebogang Manyama during his time at Cape Town City, former teammates Khama Billiat and Percy Tau.

Another award that has also eluded the Sundowns captain is the Absa Premiership Midfielder of the Season in the past three seasons.

‘I always speak about my players, I love my players so much. Kekana [is] unbelievable, maybe my Footballer of the Year. I know he failed to win midfielder of the year for five years in a row, five years in a row. Every time there is a midfielder who pops up and beats him, I don’t know by one or two votes,’ Mosimane told the media.

‘But I’d vote for him for Footballer of the Year. He’s 33, it’s unbelievable. He is a pleasure to watch, unbelievable.’

Mosimane added that he believes Orlando Pirates attacker Thembinkosi Lorch is also a strong contender to claim the award at the end of the season following his impressive performance this campaign.

‘Obviously we’d like to see Lorch nominated, why not? He’s earned his dues, playing Champions League. He is playing in the PSL, in a battle for No 1 and 2. That’s it, those are the people.’