Thembinkosi Lorch swept the prestigious PSL Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year gongs at Sunday night’s PSL Awards.
The 25-year-old Orlando Pirates winger scored nine goals and contributed to another seven in his 26 league games as Bucs pushed eventual winners Mamelodi Sundowns all the way in the title race.
He beat out competition from Downs duo Hlompo Kekana and Themba Zwane for the top prizes, walking off with R450 000 in prize money.
Thembinkosi Lorch, PSL Footballer of the Season and #AbsaPrem Players' Player of the Season pic.twitter.com/FlC9cUceLB
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 21, 2019
The former Cape Town All Stars man says: “I’m happy, I’m really really happy. Firstly I’d like to thank the man above for the talent that he gave me.
“I’d like to thank our coaches, coach Micho, Rhulani [Mokoena] and Fadlu [Davids] for improving us as players.
“I’d also like to thank my teammates because if it wasn’t for them then I wouldn’t be here.”
Closer to home, Cape Town City goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh was also honoured after his debut season in the PSL.
- One Goal Conceded pic.twitter.com/FUvJfyFb0V
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 21, 2019
The Dutchman beat teammate Thabo Nodada to the Last Man Standing in the MTN8, which Benni McCarthy’s manne won this season.
The 25-year-old says: "It’s always nice to win a personal award, especially after winning the MTN8."
Full list of winners:
Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament:
Terrence Mashego - TS Galaxy
The Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament Award:
Zakhele Lepasa - TS Galaxy
Multichoice Diski Shield Player of the Tournament:
Siboniso Conco - Golden Arrows
NFD Top Goal Scorer of the Season:
Iqraam Rayners - Stellenbosch FC
Goalkeeper of the Season:
Ronwen Williams - Supersport United FC
Ronwen Williams, #AbsaPrem Goalkeeper of the Season pic.twitter.com/goACdl7mJA
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 21, 2019
Referee of the Season:
Abongile Tom
Assistant Referee of the Season:
Emmanuel De Sani
Midfielder of the Season:
Hlompho Kekana - Mamelodi Sundowns
Defender of the Season:
Ricardo Nascimento - Mamelodi Sundowns
Top goalscorer of the Season:
Mwape Musonda - Black Leopards striker - 16 Goals
Young Player of the Season:
Teboho Mokoena - Supersport United FC
Coach of the Season:
Pitso Mosimane - Mamelodi Sundowns
Pitso Mosimane, #AbsaPrem Coach of the Season pic.twitter.com/3Qnpwg9eRO
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 21, 2019
Players' player of the Season:
Thembinkosi Lorch - Orlando Pirates
Footballer of the Season:
Thembinkosi Lorch - Orlando Pirates
matthew.marcus@inl.co.za