Betway Premiership Awards: Thapelo Mokobodi, Arthur Zwane and Teboho Mokoena Win September/October Accolades

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi, AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena have been recognised for their outstanding performances after winning the Betway Premiership monthly awards for September and October. The trio received their respective accolades following an impressive period in South African football, during which their individual contributions helped their teams achieve important results. Mokobodi claimed the Player of the Month award after playing a significant role in Orlando Pirates’ impressive league performances. Zwane was rewarded for guiding AmaZulu through a successful run of fixtures, while Mokoena secured the Goal of the Month prize for his excellent strike against Golden Arrows. The awards highlight the quality and competitiveness of the Betway Premiership as clubs continue their battles for domestic honours.

The winners were selected by a panel of Premier Soccer League media-accredited judges who voted on Tuesday, 3 October. The recognition reflects the performances delivered by players and coaches during the September and October assessment period. Mokobodi emerged as the standout individual after making a significant impact at Orlando Pirates despite being a relatively new sensation within the Buccaneers setup. His ability to create opportunities and contribute to attacking movements made him an important figure during the period under review. Winning the Player of the Month award represents an important milestone in his career and provides further recognition of his growing influence in the Pirates midfield.

Mokobodi’s contribution was particularly impressive because of his five assists during the assessment period. His creativity helped Orlando Pirates secure five victories and maintain their position near the top of the Betway Premiership standings. The Buccaneers climbed to second place on the league table as they continued their title defence. Providing five assists in a short period demonstrates his ability to influence matches through vision, passing and effective decision-making in attacking areas. His performances also underline the importance of creative midfielders in teams competing for the Premier Soccer League title.

The competition for the Player of the Month award was strong, with Mokobodi facing challenges from AmaZulu duo Thandolwethu Ngwenya and Nkosikhona Radebe. Both players impressed during the period and contributed to Usuthu’s positive results in the league. Their inclusion among the nominees demonstrated the quality of performances produced by AmaZulu during September and October. However, Mokobodi’s five assists and his contribution to Orlando Pirates’ successful run ultimately helped him secure the accolade. The award also represents his first Betway Premiership Player of the Month honour.

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane also enjoyed a successful period and was rewarded with the Coach of the Month award. The experienced tactician guided his team to five victories during September and October, helping the KwaZulu-Natal club climb to third position on the Betway Premiership table. His ability to organise the team and maintain a competitive level throughout the fixtures played an important role in AmaZulu’s progress. The results strengthened Usuthu’s position among the league’s leading teams and demonstrated their potential to challenge established opponents. For Zwane, the recognition provides an important personal achievement as he continues building his project at the Durban-based club.

Zwane faced strong competition from Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso. Ouaddou had previously claimed the August Coach of the Month award after guiding Pirates through an impressive period. Cardoso also remained a strong contender because Sundowns continued to occupy the top position on the league standings. However, Zwane’s five victories during the assessment period proved sufficient to earn him the latest coaching accolade. Like Mokobodi, the AmaZulu coach collected his first Betway Premiership monthly award.

The recognition of Zwane’s work is particularly significant given the competitive nature of the Premier Soccer League. Coaching in South Africa’s top division requires managers to balance demanding fixtures, squad management and the pressure of delivering consistent results. AmaZulu’s progress to third place showed that Zwane’s team was capable of competing with some of the country’s strongest clubs. Maintaining that form will be important as the season develops and the battle for positions near the top of the table becomes more intense. His award also provides encouragement for the players who have contributed to the team’s recent success.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena completed the list of September and October winners after claiming the Betway Premiership Goal of the Month award. The Bafana Bafana international received the recognition for his excellent curling effort against Golden Arrows. His strike from the edge of the penalty area demonstrated his technical ability and confidence in front of goal. Mokoena’s ability to score from distance adds another dimension to Sundowns’ attacking options, particularly when opponents defend deep and limit opportunities inside the penalty area. The award recognises the quality of a goal that stood out among several impressive efforts during the assessment period.

Other notable contenders for the Goal of the Month award included Vincent Pule and Luphumlo Sifumba. Pule was nominated for his impressive free kick against Marumo Gallants, while Sifumba earned recognition for his excellent set-piece effort against Milford FC. Both goals demonstrated the quality of individual technique available in the Betway Premiership. Free kicks and long-range efforts often provide some of the most memorable moments in football, particularly when players find ways to beat well-organised defensive walls and goalkeepers. Nevertheless, Mokoena’s curling strike against Golden Arrows secured the monthly accolade.

The September and October awards also highlight the different ways individuals can influence the outcome of football matches. Mokobodi made his mark through creativity and assists, while Zwane earned recognition for his tactical leadership and ability to guide AmaZulu to five victories. Mokoena, meanwhile, demonstrated his attacking quality through an outstanding individual finish. Their achievements reflect the importance of consistency, technical ability and effective teamwork in the Betway Premiership. The recognition also gives supporters an opportunity to celebrate players and coaches who have made significant contributions to their clubs.

The monthly awards form part of Betway’s broader involvement in South African football, which includes initiatives designed to reward supporters attending league matches. As the Premier Soccer League celebrates its 30th anniversary, the S’bonise & Win campaign continues to recognise fans for their loyalty and support of their respective Betway Premiership clubs. The initiative focuses on rewarding supporters who attend televised home matches and demonstrate their commitment through their match-day appearance. Eligible fans with valid Betway accounts have the opportunity to receive R30,000 for being selected as the best-dressed supporters at qualifying matches. This provides an additional incentive for fans to participate in the match-day experience and support their teams.

According to the information provided, 49 fans had already received rewards through the S’bonise & Win campaign, with more expected to benefit as the season continues. The initiative adds another dimension to Betway’s involvement in the domestic league by recognising the contribution supporters make to South African football. Fans play an important role in creating the atmosphere that makes league matches special, particularly during televised fixtures involving the country’s biggest clubs. Rewarding their loyalty also strengthens the connection between supporters, teams and the competition. The campaign therefore complements the monthly football awards by recognising contributions both on and off the pitch.

The August awards had previously gone to Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya as Player of the Month, Abdeslam Ouaddou as Coach of the Month and Brayan Leon as Goal of the Month winner. The September and October results brought a new group of winners into the spotlight, with Mokobodi, Zwane and Mokoena receiving the latest recognition. The changing list of award recipients reflects the competitive nature of the Betway Premiership and the different players and coaches making an impact throughout the campaign. It also demonstrates that strong performances from different clubs can earn recognition regardless of their position in the football hierarchy.

Thapelo Mokobodi, Arthur Zwane and Teboho Mokoena have all earned their September and October Betway Premiership awards through impressive contributions to South African football. Mokobodi’s five assists helped Orlando Pirates record five victories, Zwane guided AmaZulu through an equally successful run and Mokoena produced one of the competition’s standout goals. Their achievements provide further excitement as the league campaign continues and clubs fight for important positions on the standings. With the S’bonise & Win initiative also rewarding supporters, Betway’s involvement extends beyond the players and coaches to the fans who follow the competition. The latest awards celebrate individual excellence while reinforcing the importance of consistency and competition in the Betway Premiership.