Bafana Bafana and Everton FC midfielder Steven Pienaar has been named the 2009 Bafana Bafana Player of the Year.
The announcement was made at a glittering ceremony on Thursday night (19 November 2009) at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Among others in attendance were the Minister of Justice Jeff Radebe as well as the 2002 Brazil World Cup squad winning captain Cafu.
The Awards are meant for recognising and acknowledging talent of athletes and administrators in football.
To scoop his award, Pienaar was voted ahead of two other players in the Senior Men’s National Team – Siboniso Gaxa of Mamelodi Sundowns and Macbeth Sibaya who plays for Rubin Kazan in Russia.
The winner in this category was determined by football supporters via sms through the SABC Television and Radio stations.
Under 20 Player of the Year – Thulani Serero
In the juniors section, Thulani Serero who plays for Ajax Cape Town and the National Under 20 side, Amajita, was named the Under 20 Player of the Year. He was competing with Philani Khwela of Feyenoord and Daylon Claasen of Ajax Amsterdam in Holland for the Award.
Banyana Banyana Winner – Nompulelo Nyandeni
Banyana Banyana’s Nompulelo Nyandeni walked away with the Senior Women’s National Team Player of the Year. This is a great achievement for the midfielder considering the fact that she was vying for top honours against reigning Women’s African Player of the Year, Noko Matlou as well as Kylie-Ann Louw.
Coach of the Year – Gavin Hunt
Coach of the Year Award went to Gavin Hunt – mentor of the ABSA Premiership Champions Supersport United. In this category, Hunt was pitted against coaching giants – Styles Phumo, Jomo Sono and Serame Letsoaka.
President of SAFA Kirsten Nematandani says, “The inception of the SAFA Awards last year have gone a long way in encouraging players to play with passion and pride, our coaches to work harder at their game plans, match officials to officiate at the highest level, and our administrators to govern the game effectively and efficiently.”
Source: safa
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