Johnson, Botes rewarded
Absa Premiership high-flyers Platinum Stars were rewarded for some brilliant performances during the second quarter of the Absa Premiership as striker Henrico Botes and coach Cavin Johnson walked away with all the plaudits.
The pair was named the Absa Premiership Player and Coach of Quarter 2 at a media conference at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) headquarters in Parktown this morning.
The club put on a remarkable sequence of results that saw them leading the second quarter and winning the R1.5m prize money on offer. In addition Absa awarded the Player and Coach of the Quarter a further R15 000 each for their efforts over the last seven rounds of Absa Premiership.
During this period, Dikwena posted s highly impressive run; winning 6 out of the seven matches and scoring 14 goals in the process.
They inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Kaizer Chiefs whilst their only defeat came against newcomers Chippa United who beat them 2-1 at Athlone Stadium. Platinum Stars were also involved in an epic 6-4 victory against Golden Arrows, a match that will no doubt go down as one the most exciting Absa Premiership matches of the 2012/2013 season.
Botes was instrumental in leading Dikwena’s charge to the top of the Absa Premiership standings. He scored five goals in the last seven league matches bringing his overall tally to 6 goals this season Botes also impressed the judges with his all-round abilities as he also created a number of goal scoring opportunities for his teammates.
The Namibian striker however received stiff competition from Kaizer Chiefs striker Lehlohonolo Majoro. The Amakhosi striker was in prolific form scoring five goals in seven matches including decisive goals against Moroka Swallows and SuperSport United and the equalizer against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium that finished 1-1.
The battle amongst the respective coaches was debated extensively by the judges In the end Johnson got the nod for steering Platinum Stars to within striking range of the Absa Premiership log leaders and being the only team to inflict defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the first round of the Absa Premiership.
Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa was also in contention to win the Absa Premiership coach of the Q2 as the Buccaneers went through the quarter undefeated winning 5 matches and only conceding 3 goals. The reigning league Champions are well placed to challenge for a third consecutive league title and de Sa’s influence on the team has not gone unnoticed.
Absa sponsorship manager Steward Masela was pleased to announce the winners. “While Kaizer Chiefs were the club of Q1 there is no doubt that Platinum Stars deserve the plaudits for their efforts during this latest quarter. Platinum Stars have exceeded all expectation and have put themselves in a fantastic position to challenge for the Absa Premiership title in the second half of the league season.”
