Newly signed TS Galaxy midfielder Nompumelelo ‘Mpumi’ Nyandeni affirmed her position as one of the best talents of her generation when she was crowned SAFJA Footballer of the Year.
Nyandeni missed out on the 2021 accolade that honours the most outstanding female footballers on the domestic scene.
This time around, she beat Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ Boitumelo Rabale and her new teammate Busi Ndimeni. The University of Western Cape duo Amogelang Motau and Lonathemba Mhlongo were also vying for the award.
MPUMI NYANDENI POCKETS R15 000 FOR WINNING SAFJA AWARD
The 35-year-old attacker pocketed R15 000 at a colourful ceremony on Tuesday at the Tsogo Sun in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
Along with the prize money, the star midfielder will get to spend one night [for two] at a four-star hotel in Sandton, courtesy of Tsogo Sun.
After another impressive season, the 2022 Hollywoodbets Super League top scorer received the most votes from SAFJA members.
Meanwhile, SAFJA announced the renewal of its partnership with licensed betting operator Hollywoodbets. The partnership began at SAFJA’s inception three years ago.
HOLLYWOODBETS, SAFJA RENEW PARTNERSHIP
SAFJA chairperson Velile Mnyandu credited Hollywoodbets for playing an integral role in the organisation’s initiatives. The initiatives include the SAFJA Men’s and Women’s Footballer of the Year awards and the Journalist of the Year accolade.
“It’s been an incredible journey with our partners Hollywoodbets as we mark three years since we started working together in staging these awards.
“Our partnership started shortly before they came on board as title sponsors of the women’s Super League. Through our awards and particularly the prize money for the SAFJA Women’s Footballer of the Year accolade, they’ve shown great passion and commitment to the growth of women’s football in South Africa.
“We look forward to the growth of this partnership as we embark on the major step of mentorship within Safja, and Hollywoodbets will be integral in this initiative,” he said.
Hollywoodbets Senior Soccer Sponsorship Coordinator, Indira Albuquerque, said they were delighted to join the SAFJA Awards again this year.
DELIGHTED TO CONTRIBUTE
“We know the importance of getting involved with stakeholders who play a significant role in news access for the sports landscape.
“We’re also delighted to contribute to rewarding well-performing athletes in football, as well as all deserving journalists in the industry. We pride ourselves in being involved with the development of the women’s game and will continue to do so.
“The Hollywoodbets Super League has accentuated the platform for players to compete and be recognised. We hope that South African football as a whole continues growing from strength to strength. Finally, congratulations to Nompumelelo Nyandeni and well done to all the nominees.”
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