The Reds also used the occasion to celebrate the club’s 55 years of existence. ‘Messi’, as Kgamanyane is affectionately called, was excellent in the previous campaign helping GU to a season double with the league championship win and a successful defence of the Orange FA Cup.
Kgamanyane scored 20 goals in 28 appearances for the Reds across all competitions. He also scored the top goal scorer accolade for his exploits in front of goal in the just ended campaign.
The team’s vice captain, Tshepo Maikano was voted the Players’ Player of the Season while Goitseone Phoko walked away with the Goalkeeper of the Season Award. Mpho Kgaswane’s goal against Mogoditshane Fighters was voted as the Goal of the Season.
Kgaswane is also the Supporters’ Player of the Season, an award voted by fans. Alphord Velaphi and Thato Kebue won the Young Player and Most Improved Player awards respectively.
The club also included for the first time the women’s team awards. Kelebogile Magaga walked away with Top Goal Scorer Award. Tlamelo Pheresi was the Players’ Player of the Season while Kelebogile Modimoeng was voted the Player of the Season.
The Reds’ director, Nicholas Zackhem gifted three of the club’s personnel.
GU’s communication and marketing manager, Herbert Lebetse, midfielder Lebogang Ditsele and retiring Alphonse Modisaotsile were recognised for the Director’s Award. “I was born as a winner and wherever I go I make sure I win something. This season we will be taking everything that comes around because we are a very strong team and we have better players,” Ditsele said.
The Reds will be returning to continental club competition in the Champions League for the first time in over a decade. Meanwhile the Botswana Premier League is set to start on September 3.
