Ditshupo makes Top 8 history
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday April 13, 2018 12:38
This was a historic moment for the midfielder, as he became the first player to win the award twice after he clinched it in 2016.
“I’m happy, am over the moon, being nominated amongst players from the eight teams that participated means a lot. Winning it for the second time shows that I am really working hard. I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for pushing me hard at training,” Ditshupo told Mmegi Sport.
He acknowledged his teammates for the achievement as he said any of them could have bagged the award as they play more as a team, while individual accolades come as a bonus.
“Everyone is outstanding. Each player raises the bar in every game we play. Our attacking line is playing very well even the defence is impressive,” he said.
Ditshupo whose contract elapses at the end of the season said he would wait on the club to open negotiations for a new deal, hinting he might end his career at the club. The 32-year-old beat Orapa United winger, Kobamelo Kebaikanye and Gilbert Baruti of Jwaneng Galaxy.
The duo was impressive throughout the competition as they contributed three and two goals each respectively for their teams in the campaign. Rollers goalkeeper, Keeagile Kgosipula won the No.1 Safe Hands beating Galaxy’s Ezikiel Morake and Mosimanegape Robert of the Ostriches. The Blues completed a whitewash as coach, Nikola Kavazovic won the coach of the tournament beating Matshidiso Moseki and Daniel Nare to the award.
Obonwe Maome of Gaborone United bagged the yellow boot with five goals, two ahead of closest rival, Kebaikanye. In other awards, history was made as Botsalo Mosimanewatlala became the first female to win the assistant referee of the tournament award, while Lekgotla Johannes managed to beat strong competition from Joshua Bondo and Tirelo Mositwane to walk with the referee of the season award.