Main award shared by two top players
The club had an average season under head coach Charles Mndaweni and managed to remain in the Premier League for 2018, despite finances and player development being major issues this year
MANCOSA Rhinos players Sidney Coetzee and Thokozani Mdluli shared the prestigious Senior Player of the Year award at the Empangeni Rugby Football Club year-end function and awards ceremony held at Mick Kelly Park on Friday evening.
Both players had a phenomenal season and represented the Zululand side, as well as the KZN Platteland Club XV side that played in a curtain raiser game against the Sharks Club XV team ahead of the Sharks and Western Province Currie Cup fixture on 14 October.
The club had an average season under head coach Charles Mndaweni and managed to remain in the Premier League for 2018, despite finances and player development being major issues this year.
However, there are plans in place for 2018, with coaches and management absolutely positive about next season’s goals and aspirations.
All local players aged 18 and over are urged to sign up with the local club for next season.
Players were allowed to bring their spouses and partners to the function, for only the second time in the club’s rich history.
Current president James McIllrath urged the players to help the club maintain their Premier League status for the next two years, as the club turns 100 years old in 2019.
Awards
President’s Cup – Paul Gouge.
Senior Player of the Year – Sidney Coetzee and Thokozani Mdluli.
U21 Player of the Year – Aphiwe Dludla.
Most Improved Player of the Year – Hugo Myburgh and Nkosi Buthelezi.
Keenest Player of the Year – Adolf Graham.
Supporter of the Year – Richard Liebenberg.
Most Enthusiastic Player of the Year – Dean Moolman.
Captain of the Year – Dean Moolman.
First XV Forward Player of the Year – Lwando Kleinbooi.
First XV Backline Player of the Year – Khulani Mhlongo.
Second XV Forward Player of the Year – Nhlaka Mkhize.
Second XV Backline Player of the Year – Derick Venter.
Second XV Player of the Year – Trevor Dlodlo.
Second XV Most Improved Player of the Year – Nhlaka Mkhize.
Third XV Forward Player of the Year – Philani Mhlongo.
Third XV Backline Player of the Year – Henri Liebenberg.
Third XV Player of the Year – DJ Scheepers.
U20 XV Player of the Year – Sthembiso Mthiyane.
U20 XV Backline Player of the Year – Aphiwe Dludla.
U20 XV Forward Player of the Year – Sbuyi Mhlongo.
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