Mokwena, Kwayiba, Tiwani crowned DStv Prem monthly awards victors

Chippa United forward Sinoxolo Kwayiba has won the DStv Premiership Player of the Month for April.

Kwayiba, who only joined the Chilli Boys at the start of the 2023-24 season, was a standout performer as he scored four goals in four matches in succession, which saw his side emerge victorious against Cape Town Spurs, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United. This moved them away from danger at the bottom of the log.

The judging panel, made up football commentators, analysts and journalists, were impressed by how he has adapted to an attacking position from defence since his arrival at the club from Pretoria Callies in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

His form in April saw the 25-year-old selected as the first player from Chippa United to win the monthly individual awards since the Gqeberha-based side was promoted to top-flight football back in 2014.

Kwayiba emerged as the winner from a strong shortlist that also included Iqraam Rayners of Stellenbosch FC and the Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Patrick Maswanganyi.

Rhulani Mokwena was named the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for the second time this season. After claiming the prize in August, the Sundowns league-winning coach has been recognised once more after overseeing an impressive April with Sundowns.

For Mokwena, April got underway with a 1-0 win over Richards Bay, and Sundowns continued in a similarly impressive vein of form during the month, beating Cape Town Spurs (1-0), Sekhukhune United (2-1), TS Galaxy (3-0) and holding onto a 2-2 draw away at Moroka Swallows.

IMPRESSIVE CONSISTENCY

Mokwena was praised for maintaining his side’s winning consistency and remarkable continued unbeaten run in the league during the period of fixtures while still locked to their commitments in the Caf Champions League.

Mokwena received the most votes ahead of Orlando Pirates coach Jose Rivieiro, Steve Barker of Stellenbosch FC and Chippa United co-coaches Kwanele Kopo and Thabo September, from the panel of experts during the judging process.

A Sekhukhune United player has won an individual monthly prize for the second month in succession as teenager Asekho Tiwani beat the likes of Sedywn George and Tebogo Mokoena to the DStv Premiership Goal of the Month for April.

His maiden goal in the league in his side’s 1-0 win over Cape Town Spurs impressed the judging panel the most.

The leftback unleashed a spectacular strike from the halfway line that caught the Cape Town Spurs defence and goalkeeper off guard.

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

Judges for April: Simphiwe Dludlu (SABC Sport, convenor), Brian Mofokeng (SABC Sport), Sazi Hadebe (Sunday Times), Mihlali Baleka (Independent Newspapers), Mmasekepe Matsebane (Power FM)

Winners for the DStv Player and Coach of the Month Awards for April:

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

April Sinoxolo Kwayiba

(Chippa United)

COACH OF THE MONTH

Rhulani Mokwena

(Mamelodi Sundowns)

GOAL OF THE MONTH

Asekho Tiwani

Sekhukhune United vs Cape Town Spurs