Mamelodi Sundowns Midfielder, Teboho Mokoena won double last night at the PSL 2023 Virtual Awards. The Brazilians dominated and collected most of the accolades with Mokoena scooping the DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season and the Footballer of the Season Awards.
After winning big at the PSL awards, Mokoena expressed his gratitude and said, “Firstly I would like to thank everyone at the club, the supporters, the players, the technical team, the Motsepe family, my family and the coaches that voted for me. I’m very happy to win the awards. I am the testimony of hard work. Hard work pays off and I am the definition of answered prayers.”
Mokoena shared that he approached this season with the right state of mind, and mentally prepared for anything the season had to offer. He added that It’s been a tough season especially because the pressure and expectations at Mamelodi Sundowns are very high. The Midfielder also stated that it’s not easy starting a game and being a part of the 18-man game-day squad at Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Coach Rulani has reminded me throughout the season that my job is to protect the defense so that we concede fewer goals as a team. I did a lot of work with the Coach. I started being interested in Rodri Hernandez and watching Manchester City as well as how he moves and defends”, said Teboho as he disclosed how Coach Rulani Mokwena has influenced his growth and interests.
He further vouched that he thinks every player that has worked closely with Coach Rulani can attest that he has improved them, he is one of those players. “ I would like to relay a special thank you to him and I’m looking forward to next season
The 2022/23 Footballer of the Season communicated that he sets targets every season, which includes winning trophies for the team, and then winning individual awards is a cherry on top. He shared that he always want to see his teammates shining. With that said, ‘Tebza’ voiced that he is proud of the entire team and he is happy for his teammates that picked up awards.
“I will always do the dirty work for the team, score, and assist when needed, but I know there are players that will do that. My job is to protect the team and defend because I know that the players in front of me will score. My target for this season was to play regularly and perform well”, relayed the Masandawana utility player as he declared that he will work hard to improve the collective outcome of the team.
Looking forward to next season, Mokoena insisted that he will come back stronger for the 2023/24 campaign. He additionally highlighted that he is grateful to have someone as smart and experienced as Themba Zwane by his side to help him better his game.
