Who Will Be Crowned Player Of The Season

| Monday July 6, 2009 00:00

At the moment, many people are wondering who will walk away with the prestigious
Player of the Season Award and the P50,000 prize.  Staff Writer Tshepo Molwane
picks the five frontrunners for the diadem

Mompati 'Apache' Thuma (BDF XI)
Once again, he has been the lynchpin at the heart of the BDF XI rearguard and Matebele have looked out of sorts in the games he has missed. Thuma is respected by all the strikers in the country and there is no doubt that he concentrates fully in every match.

His leadership skills is largely responsible for the army side's comfortable fourth spot in the league standings. He is a down-to-earth defender who has won the hearts of opposition supporters.

Given 'Stability' Mpundu (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)
After missing the Player of the Season Award last season when everyone except the judges thought he was the best, Mpundu is once again in contention. He has been very impressive in the heart of Chiefs' defence. He is a disciplined defender who hardly argues with anybody on the pitch. He is a clean and perfect player. He has created a good understanding with Michael Mogaladi. Chiefs were exposed against Flamengo Santos when he was rested.

Ronald Chikomo (Gaborone United)
He has been super this season for the league favourites. His scoring ability and work-rate has benefited the Reds immensely. GU have struggled whenever he is not playing.

If GU wins the league for the first time in 18 years, it will be all thanks to the contribution of the Zambian-striker. He is one of the most underrated players in Botswana football though he does his job perfectly. GU can still benefit from his scoring prowess next season.

Othusitse 'Jabu' Pilane (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)
Another underrated player in the league though he is a complete workhorse who deserves respect. He has proved that he can play many positions this season. Jabu hardly goes into the referee's book and this makes him special.

Since he joined Chiefs from Township Rollers under the then coach Sonnyboy Sethibe, Pilane has come of age and deserves respect. He has continued to score crucial goals for his side. His discipline on and off the field has won him the hearts of football analysts and supporters.

Ofentse 'Size-10' Nato (Gaborone United)
What can one say about this youngster? He has really surprised many people with his five-star performances this season. He has never been intimidated by players who have been in topflight football longer than him.

The good thing is that he has not let fame go to his head unlike most youngsters. To crown a good debut in the Premier League, outgoing Zebras' coach Stanley Tshosane has called him to the national team. When he got his first cap, he played his heart out against New Zealand and once again, won the hearts of many football lovers.

Though he is still to improve some aspects of his game, there is no doubt that he is the rookie of the year. If there is a player apart from Pilane and Mpundu who deserve the award, it is Nato.

Many people especially non-GU supporters would disagree but to say the truth, Nato is a genius.