Double honour for SuperSport's Gaxa

SuperSport United defender Siboniso Gaxa won a double honour when he was named Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season during the club's end of season awards function at SuperSport Park on Monday night.

This was a fitting reward for this hugely talented defender who was a key figure in coach Pitso Mosimane's rearguard all season, putting in some stunning performances while at the same time scoring crucial goals, particularly in Cup competitions.

A product of the Soccer School of Excellent run by Danish giant FC Copenhagen in Port Elizabeth, Gaxa is an intelligent defender with nerves of steel.

He needs, however, to work more on staying focused for the duration of a game as he was exposed by Kaizer Chiefs striker Collins Mbesuma in the Coca-Cola Cup.

The 21-year-old was spotted by United assistant coach Thomas Madigage a few seasons ago and has established himself in the United defence ahead of more experienced campaigners like Themba Mnguni and Kaitano Tembo.

Last week, Gaxa was included in the Bafana Bafana squad to travel to Cape Verde in the World Cup qualifier this weekend and national coach Stuart Baxter praised him for his ability to play at both central and right-back positions.

"I picked him because we have two players in one in him," Baxter said.

Because of his no-nonsense style of play, he is already being compared to the likes of Lucas Radebe. The other top winners on Monday night were creative young midfielder Sibusiso Mahlangu, who was voted the Most Improved Player of the Season and national under-23 midfielder Daine Klate, named the best Young Player of the Season.

Other awards

Hottest Players of the Season:

Bucuane and Ndlela

Coaches award:

Thomas Madigage (assistant coach)

Chief Executives' award:

Ricardo Katza

Chairperson's award:

Technical team (Pitso Mosimane, Kwanele Kopo, Webster Lichaba)

Team Master award:

Coltrane Munyai (community development officer).