A little over six weeks remain before the end of the season and talk of who should win the Footballer of the Season award will be a hot topic. Here are my top three picks for this season.
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Goalkeepers are hardly ever looked at when it comes to the Footballer of the Season award, but I feel it would be difficult to leave the Bafana Bafana captain out of the nominees for the big award this season. Arguably, the signing of the season, Williams has brought a different dimension to how Sundowns have been able to play from the back. Coming from SuperSport United - where football is direct and they don't always build-up from the back - Williams has shown that he is comfortable on the ball and can start attacks with some of his long passes. With 17 clean sheets in all competitions this season, Williams has certainly made a mark and has proven that Sundowns made the correct decision to pay big bucks to SuperSport to bring the senior national captain to Chloorkop. Already a winner of the December/January player of the month award, I believe Williams has put himself in a good position to become a nominee for the big prize this season. There is no denying he has made a big impact in his first season at Sundowns.
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
When he joined Sundowns halfway through last season, he needed some time to adjust to the more demanding life at Chloorkop. But this season, Mokoena has just become a beast for the Brazilians, proving to be key component in the middle of the park for the DStv Premiership champions. Up to now, Mokoena has only missed two league matches, playing 90 minutes 15 times this season. Playing as the team's deep lying playmaker, Mokoena has been able to dominate midfield battles, playing with the guts and guile which make him one of the best players in the PSL at the moment. He wins possession for Sundowns in midfield and drives the team forward as well with runs through the middle and passes to attacking player. Mokoena has been one of the most consistent players in the Sundowns team this season.
Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates)
It took a little over a month to make his first appearance this season, but Saleng has surpassed many of the players who had a head start over him. Coming back from a loan spell with Swallows FC, he had to wait his turn and when he finally got it, the former Free State Stars player has been Pirates' biggest attacking thread. What's impressive about him is that he plays more from the right side of attack, cutting in with his left foot to create more scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. He was immense in the MTN8 for Pirates, terrorising Sundowns in the semi-finals with a brace before netting the winner in the final against AmaZulu. As things stand, Pirates still have an opportunity to finish second in the Premiership, as well as win the Nedbank Cup, and Saleng has helped keep their campaign alive, despite Sundowns winning the league with seven matches to spare, with his goals and assists. With 13 goals and four assists in all competitions, Pirates have no better attacker and I feel he has done enough to put his name in the hat for the award.
Special mention: There is no denying that Cassius Mailula has had an incredible campaign with Sundowns and it's impressive how he has been able to handle the pressure of playing both domestically and on the continent. I picked my top three candidates, but he definitely comes close because of how well he has performed in his first season in the topflight.
Who are your candidates for the footballer of the season award? Have you say in the comments section!
