Mikia Kalati
Lioli’s Tšoanelo Koetle and Jerry Kamele and Bantu hitman Litšepe Marabe will fight-it-out for the 2014/15 Vodacom Premier League Player-of-the -Season award.
According to Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) general manager, Baitsi Motsamai, the winner would be announced during a special banquet scheduled for Maseru Sun on 25 June.
The young player of the season, coach of the season, goalkeeper of the year, top goal-scorer, fair play team of the season, radio, TV and print reporters of the season awards as well as referee and assistant referee of the season, would also be announced on the night, which is one of the most special occasions in Lesotho football.
After driving Lioli to the premier league title with impressive performances week-in and week-out, it is no surprise that Koetle and Kamele have been shortlisted for the most prestigious individual award in domestic soccer. In addition to the league championship, Lioli also won the Vodacom Premier League title and Independence Cup, but in Marabe, they would be battling a player who made a difference at Bantu with his uncanny scoring ability. Marabe helped Bantu win the LNIG Top8 tournament, finish second on the 14-team premiership table and was the league’s top marksman with 23 goals.
According to Motsamai, Marabe and Koetle are also in contention for the players’ player of the season award alongside Lioli goalkeeper Liteboho Mokhele.
Tumelo Khutlang, who won the young player of the season award over the last two seasons, will be up against Bantu’s Hlompho Kalake and Thabo Seakhoa of LCS for the same gong come 25 June.
Lioli coach Mosholu ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu, Bantu’s Motlatsi Shale, and Likila United’s Bob Mafoso would fight for the coach-of-the-season award. Mafoso, who led the premiership rookies to sixth-place finish, is the dark horse in this category.
Lioli’s Mokhehle, Bantu’s Kholuoe Phasumane and Daniel Jousse of LCS will fight for the goalkeeper of the year award, according to Motsamai.
Meanwhile, in addition to individual awards, teams would be presented with their prizes on the night, with the league-winners taking home M200 000, runners-up M100 000, third place M80 000 and fourth-placed side raking in M60 000.
Teams which occupied positions five to eight would each get M40 000; nine to 12 pocket M30 000, and 13-14 take home M25 000 apiece.
Linare captain Mabuti Potloane was crowned 2013/14 player of the season and pocketed M2000 for his efforts, and this year’s winner would still get the same amount. The other players would also get the same prize monies of M2000 each, while reporters in the different categories would each take home M1000. The team which had the least number of cards would get the Fair Play Award that carries a prize of M5000.
