Pirates big winners at TKO awards
The award winners at the 2011 Telkom Knockout have been announced, with Orlando Pirates taking three of the four prizes on offer.
Buccaneers star Moeneeb Josephs won Goalkeeper of the Tournament and dedicated his prize to the Pirates goalkeeper coach.
“Thanks to the sponsors for making the award available to us, it is reward for those who put in the effort, to my teammates would not have been possible without you. I would also like to personally thank my goalkeeper coach Alex Revoredo,” Josephs said.
The Defender of the Tournament award went to Pirates centre-back Siyabonga Sangweni, who was humble in his acceptance of the prize.
“I would like to thank God and then my teammates, and then my captain Lucky Lekgwathi, it is an honour to play with you,” the softly-spoken Bafana Bafana star said.
BidVest Wits’ Sifiso Myeni collected Midfielder of the Tournament but suggested his teammate Sibusiso Vilakazi would have been a worthy winner as well.
“I thinks this award belongs to one player who deserves it more than me, my teammate Sibusiso Vilakazi. Well done to Pirates and all the best,” he said.
And the biggest cheer of the afternoon went up as Benni McCarthy collected Striker of the Tournament having netted three goals in helping his Pirates side lift the trophy.
“Thanks all the sponsors for putting on such a great event, to Wits for providing an entertaining final. To my teammates, without you guys this wouldn’t be possible, especially at my age with my legs! I appreciate everything that you have done for me, making me feel so comfortable. To [fellow nominee] Ryan Chapman, a special shout-out to you, good luck for next time!”
All of the award winners walk away with R100 000 in prize-money.
The Player of the Tournament, which has McCarthy, Sangweni and Chapman as nominees, will be announced at the PSL Awards at the end of the season.
THE WINNERS
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Moeneeb Josephs
Defender of the tournament: Siyabonga Sangweni
Midfielder of the tournament: Sifiso Myeni
Striker of the tournament: Benni McCarthy