Thabiso Kutumela and Bongokuhle Hlongwane do Maritzburg proud
Maritzburg United chairman Farook Kadodia has lauded Thabiso Kutumela and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, after their nominations for for the 2020/21 end-of-season awards.
Kutumela’s goals have ensured that Maritzburg United are still in the Premiership and he is in the running for two awards: Footballer of the Season and DStv Premiership Player’s Player of the Season.
Thabiso Kutumela vying with champions
Kutumela is up against two Mamelodi Sundowns players – Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane – in both of the award categories he has been nominated for this season. The 27-year-old has been in superb form for United this term; scoring 12 league goals (as well as three in the cup), with only Bradley Grobler (14) having scored more in the Premiership up to this point.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old forward Hlongwane, is one of three nominees for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season award.
Hlongwane has come on in leaps and bounds this season. He has impressed with his ability to lead the line while combining well with the in-form Kutumela. The striking prospect has impressed with his allround game and has chipped in with three goals and two assists in 18 league matches. Hlongwane will be competing with Kamogelo Mahlangu of TS Galaxy and Baroka striker Evidence Makgopa for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season award.
Both Kutumela and Hlongwane were called up by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for an international friendly against Uganda next month in recognition of their performances.
Recognition from the boss
“A big congratulations to the two players, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Thabiso Kutumela,” said Team of Choice chairman Kadodia.
“Their nominations for the PSL awards as well as their recent national team call-ups are a great source of pride to the club. It will serve as an inspiration to the rest of the squad, the technical team – for the hard work they have also put in, and to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands football community as a whole.
“It’s been fantastic for all involved with Maritzburg United to witness local lad Bongokuhle rising through the development ranks of our club and all the way to the national team.
“And it’s also been highly satisfying to see how Thabiso Kutumela has vindicated our faith in him. His goals have been crucial for us and it speaks volumes for his character that he has responded so positively to being given the captain’s armband, he’s really led from the front for us.”
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