JOHANNESBURG - A season that would have probably left him ruing his decision to switch clubs as his former side captured the continental side had a brilliant ending for Ramahlwe Mphahlele on Thursday night.
The right-back who joined Kaizer Chiefs from Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of the season walked away with three accolades at Amakhosi’s awards evening, that also saw stalwart Siphiwe Tshabalala celebrate a decade at the club by winning big.
"Shabba", having just been honoured by the PSL with the Goal of the Month on Wednesday also took home the club’s best Goal of the Season award.
In addition to that, the midfielder was the club’s top scorer and scooped the Player as well as the Fans' Player of the Season awards to end the night at the Kyalami Theatre on the Track as the biggest winner.
In his debut season with Amakhosi, albeit one that was bare while his former club won both the Caf Champions League and Super Cup trophies, Mphahlele’s sterling efforts brought him some joy.
Congratulations to @ToyotaSA Players' Player of the Season: @Reitu22 #KCAwards17 #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/PIzdVvEvEY
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) June 1, 2017
He took home the Players' Player of the Season, Fair Play and Kaizer Chiefs Online Player of the Season awards.
Edmore Mashire was voted the Most Improved Player of the Season.
Club boss Kaizer Motaung, understandably disappointed at seeing his side go yet another season without silverware, was nevertheless full of encouragement for the club.
“It is important for the club to review and take note of some of the highlights of the season and show appreciation to all involved in continuing to contribute to the rich history of this institution,” Motaung said.
“It is no secret we were found wanting when it mattered most during the season and the team failed to fulfil our desires and expectations. But learning the key lessons is always important after disappointing results because they will help us to pave the path for success next season.”
Motaung paid special tribute to the club’s two legends in former defensive midfielder from the 1970s in Petros "Ten Ten" Nzimande as well as ex coach Jeff Buttler both of whom passed away this year.
Congratulations to Medshield Most Improved Player of the Season: Edmore Chirambadare #KCAwards17 #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/nw6ft2IWED
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) June 1, 2017
“The passing of both 'Ten-Ten' and Jeff is a great loss to football and their legacy will live on for many years to come,” Motaung said. “And even though they were with the club during different eras, they had a lot in common.
They were disciplinarians, workaholics and very dedicated. Their contribution will live forever and their names will be engraved in gold in our history books.”
Motaung honoured the club’s former Public Relations Officer Louis Tshakoane with the Chairman’s Award.
“You cannot talk about Kaizer Chiefs in the 80s and 90s without mentioning Louis,” Motaung said. "Louis’ character, flamboyance and passion really livened up the mood in the stadiums across the country. It is important to honour him and truly thank him for his work.”
@Tshiliboy