Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Abdeslam Ouaddou and Brayan Leon Win First Betway Premiership Monthly Awards of 2026/27

The first Betway Premiership Monthly Awards of the 2026/27 season have been handed out, with Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, Abdeslam Ouaddou and Brayan Leon recognised for outstanding performances during August. The trio emerged as the winners after a panel of Premier Soccer League media-accredited judges assessed the leading individual and team performances from the opening month of the campaign. AmaZulu FC forward Ngwenya claimed the Player of the Month award after producing an impressive goalscoring run. Orlando Pirates head coach Ouaddou received the Coach of the Month honour after guiding the reigning champions through an unbeaten opening month. Mamelodi Sundowns forward Leon completed the trio after his superb volley against AmaZulu was selected as the Goal of the Month.

Ngwenya’s Player of the Month award reflects an outstanding start to the new Betway Premiership campaign. The 23-year-old Zimbabwean international scored five goals in four matches for AmaZulu FC during August, immediately establishing himself as one of the division’s most dangerous attacking players. His scoring run has also taken him to the top of the Betway Premiership goalscoring charts. The forward’s goals have played a major role in AmaZulu’s strong beginning to the season, with the Durban-based club climbing to fourth position on the league table. His combination of consistency and attacking efficiency ultimately saw him beat TS Galaxy’s Victor Letsoalo and Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema to the monthly award.

Ngwenya’s form is particularly significant because he has quickly become an important attacking figure for AmaZulu. Scoring five times in only four matches demonstrates how effectively he has taken advantage of his opportunities in front of goal. His performances have given the Durban club an important attacking weapon during the early stages of the campaign. The Zimbabwean international will now be expected to maintain that level of consistency as opponents become increasingly aware of the threat he poses. Winning the first Player of the Month award of the season also gives Ngwenya an early individual achievement to build on as he looks to establish himself among the league’s leading forwards.

The Coach of the Month award went to Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou after an impressive opening four matches. The reigning Betway Premiership champions recorded three victories and one draw under the Moroccan-French coach, giving the team an unbeaten start to the campaign. Those results helped demonstrate Ouaddou’s ability to maintain high standards at a club carrying the pressure and expectations that come with being the defending champions. His recognition also continues the positive impression he made during the previous season. Ouaddou had already won the final Betway Premiership Coach of the Month award in May, making his latest achievement another indication of the impact he has had since arriving at the Soweto giants.

Ouaddou’s early success will be particularly encouraging for Orlando Pirates supporters because maintaining championship-winning standards can be challenging after a successful campaign. The coach has started the new season with results that suggest his team remains competitive and focused on defending its title. Three wins from four matches provide a strong foundation, while the draw means Pirates have avoided defeat during the opening stretch of the campaign. The award also recognises more than individual coaching decisions because the team’s results reflect preparation, tactical organisation and the ability of players to execute the plan. With a long season ahead, Ouaddou will now look to ensure that his side can maintain this consistency against increasingly difficult opposition.

Brayan Leon claimed the Betway Premiership Goal of the Month award for a clinical volley scored for Mamelodi Sundowns against AmaZulu FC. The goal stood out among a strong selection of contenders and ultimately earned enough support from the judging panel to take the monthly prize. Leon faced competition from his Sundowns teammate Teboho Mokoena, whose free-kick in the same match was also considered for the award. Vincent Pule’s impressive strike for Siwelele FC against TS Galaxy was another contender that attracted attention. Leon’s volley ultimately secured the honour, adding an individual award to his contribution for Sundowns during the opening month of the season.

The Goal of the Month award highlights the quality of attacking and technical play already on display in the Betway Premiership this season. Leon’s volley required precision and composure to convert the opportunity into a decisive finish. The fact that the panel had to choose between his strike, Mokoena’s free-kick and Pule’s goal shows the level of competition among the league’s standout moments during August. For Leon, the award provides recognition for a single piece of individual quality that captured the attention of the judging panel. It also adds to the growing list of individual achievements associated with the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign.

The three winners represent different aspects of what makes a successful football campaign. Ngwenya’s award recognises consistent goalscoring and his influence on AmaZulu’s strong start. Ouaddou’s honour reflects Orlando Pirates’ impressive results and his role in guiding the defending champions through an unbeaten opening month. Leon’s award celebrates individual technical quality and the ability to produce a memorable moment that can influence a match. Together, the awards provide an early snapshot of some of the players and coaches who have made the biggest impact since the new season began. Their performances will also create expectations as they attempt to maintain their respective standards throughout the campaign.

With the first monthly awards now decided, attention will shift towards whether the winners can continue producing performances at the same level. Ngwenya will be aiming to remain among the Betway Premiership’s leading goalscorers as AmaZulu look to climb even higher on the table. Ouaddou will want Orlando Pirates to maintain their unbeaten start and continue competing strongly as they defend their league crown. Leon will also be looking to build on his memorable volley and contribute further goals and attacking moments for Mamelodi Sundowns. The 2026/27 season is still in its early stages, but the first Betway Premiership Monthly Awards have already identified three figures who have made a significant impact.