Rulani and Khenyeza clinch DStv Prem monthly awards

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has been named the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for August 2023. The 36-year-old coach had a perfect start to the 2023/24 DStv Premiership league season as he won his first six games.

During this impressive run, Sundowns scored 13 goals and conceded only two goals as they took the top spot on the league table. The defending league champions stepped into the new season ready to carry on where they left off last season. They opened the league campaign by beating Sekhukhune United 2-1. Sundowns then dispatched Kaizer Chiefs, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Chippa United, Richards Bay and Polokwane City.

He beat out competition from Gavin Hunt of SuperSport United and for the award.

Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Mabhudi Khenyeza was voted the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for September/October 2023, winning it for the first time in his coaching career. Khenyeza is the first Arrows coach to claim the prize since Clinton Larson last did so in September 2017.

The 41-year-old Khenyeza transformed Arrow’s fortunes by going on an impressive unbeaten run beating in September/October, beating Sekhukhune United, Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs, scoring 4 goals and conceding only once, to get his side in the top 3 on the log standings. He won the award ahead of Cape Town City’s Eric Tinkler and Hunt.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa won the DStv Premiership Player of the Month award after impressing during the month of August, scoring four goals in 6 games, and providing one assist for his new, high-flying team. The Brazilian Costa beat his new teammate Ronwen Williams and Orlando Pirates’ Zakhele Lepasa to the award.

Bradely Grobler once again proved to be reliable for SuperSport United upfront, as he was voted as the DStv Premiership Player of the Month for September/October.

Pule Mmodi of Kaizer Chiefs won the DStv Premiership Goal of the Month award for his wonderful, long-distance strike from outside the 18-yard area when Amakhosi beat Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone stadium in August.

Last month, TS Galaxy forward Samir Nurkovic announced his arrival at the club in style as he was rewarded with the DStv Premiership Goal of the Month award for his superbly taken long-range goal in his side’s 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United.

For their recognition, all the winning coaches and players will each receive a trophy and R7, 000 courtesy of league sponsors, DStv.

Judges for August: Carol Tshabalala (SuperSport, convenor), Tshepang Mailwane (Soccer Laduma), Malibongwe Mdletshe (Isolezwe), Neville Khoza (Sowetan), Nkululeko Dladla (Ukhozi FM), Grant Bisset (SuperSport)

Judges for September/October: BBK Kortjaas (Sunday Times, convenor), Thabo Kofa (Lesedi FM), Bruno Letsogo (Motsweding FM), Xoli Zondo (SABC Sport), Lorenz Kohler (iDiski Times), Sthembiso Dindi (Times Live)

WINNERS FOR THE DSTV PLAYER AND COACH OF THE MONTH AWARDS:

AUGUST

PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns)

COACH OF THE MONTH: Rhulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

GOAL OF THE MONTH: Pule Mmodi (Stellenbosch FC v Kaizer Chiefs)

SEPT/OCTOBER

PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Bradley Grobler (SuperSport United)

COACH OF THE MONTH: Mabhudi Khenyeza (Golden Arrows)

GOAL OF THE MONTH: Samir Nurkovic (TS Galaxy v Sekhukhune United)