Seabata Mahao
The 2023/24 Vodacom Premier League (VPL) champions, Lioli Football Club (FC), dominated the league’s end-of-season awards, claiming a total of five awards.
Their impressive haul reflects the outstanding performances of Lioli as a team, the players and the coaching staff throughout the season.
Lioli saw their players and head coach nominated in several categories, with six players and the head coach recognized for their contributions.
Among the standout nominees were two defenders, Mafa Moremoholo and Tieho Ntulo, who competed for the Defender of the Season award alongside Rethabile Mokokoane of Matlama FC. Additionally, Tumelo Khutlang and Jerry Kamela were nominated for Midfielder of the Season, contending with Jane Thabantšo of Matlama FC.
When the eventual winners were announced, Lioli’s midfielder, Jerry Kamela, won the coveted player of the season award, and pocketed a cool M15 000 cash prize. He also won the midfielder of the season accolade, taking home M9 000 cash prize to make his take-home capture to M24 000.
Lioli’s goalkeeper, William Huni won the goalkeeper of the season gong, and also pocketed M9 000 in cash prize. Mafa Moremoholo from Lioli won the defender of the season award and received a cash prize of M9 000.
Lioli’s coach, Motheo Mohapi completed the rout by winning the coach of the year award, winning M12 000. As the league champions, Lioli also received the league winner’s prize of M650 000.
Other notable winners on the night included Lemohang Lintša of Limkokwing University FC, who clinched the top goal-scorer award with 18 goals (M13 500), and the players’ player of the year award (M12 000) totaling M25 500.
Katleho Koaeana of LMPS FC took home the youngest player of the season award, with a cash prize of M9 500, while Samson Molelekoa won the referee of the season award, taking home M6 000 in cash prize. The assistant referee of the year award went to Thabelo Ntaote, who received a cash prize of M5 000.
Lioli’s dominance in the awards underscores their exceptional season and the high caliber of talent within the team.