
The Mamelodi Sundowns pair of head coach Rulani Mokwena and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams have been rewarded with the monthly awards for December/January.
Sundowns were unbeaten through the period under review opening what has grown to a 20-points lead at the top of the standings with domestic football returning after the World Cup.
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The champions in waiting played eight and won all of them to bag 24 points.
Williams conceded a single goal in the six games that he played through that time.
For Mokwena, these awards reflect the collective effort.
"I have always maintained that in football the most important thing is team trophies and team recognition," says Mokwena.
"The individual awards are a fair reflection of everybody.
"The coach of the month and player of the month for Ronwen is a reflection of the good spirit within the group and the data supports that if you look at how difficult it was playing eight games against good sides, (Orlando) Pirates twice, (Kaizer) Chiefs, SuperSport and Richards Bay.
"So, it was good, and the players showed that they have grit and Ronwen was one of the players and because of the individual recognition we also have to give him a lot of praise.
"But, as I always say in a team sport, Ronwen doesn’t train alone.
"Iron sharpens iron as so the goalkeeper coach, coach Wendell (Robinson), the rest of the goalkeepers who push him to compete for the number one jersey.
"And then because the team plays together with build-ups and pressing situations as a reflection of the team it is good.
"And of course, we speak about the footballer of the season.
"To be footballer of the season you have to maintain a level of consistency and not just Ronwen, but Themba Zwane has shown consistency.
"Teboho Mokoena, Peter Shalulile, Cassius (Mailula) so congratulations to the team in its entirety," says Mokwena.
Melusi Buthelezi of TS Galaxy picked up the August goalkeeping award with Richards Bay’s Salim Magoola bagging the September/October award.
For the coaches, Jose Riveiro took the August accolade while Gavin Hunt went away with the September/October gong.
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