TS Galaxy Queens midfielder Nompumelelo Nyandeni has been named the 2022 South African Football Journalists’ Association (SAFJA) Women’s Footballer of the Year.
The awards took place on Tuesday (21 March 2023) at the Tsogo Sun Hotel in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
Nyandeni pocketed R15 000 in prize money, after beating off a strong challenge of fellow nominees Boitumelo Rabale of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, current teammate Busisiwe Ndimeni and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) duo of Amogelang Motau and Lonathemba Mhlongo.
Mbuzi, as Nyandeni is fondly called by her peers, was crowned following her exploits at former club JVW where she managed 30 goals last season to walk away with the Hollywoodbets Super League Top Goal scorer Award.
The midfielder also wins herself a one-night stay for two at a four star hotel in Sandton, courtesy of Tsogo Sun.
In announcing the winner, SAFJA Deputy Chairperson, Busi Mokoena, said it was a tight two-horse race between Nyandeni and Rabale – who last season was named the Hollywoodbets Super League Player of the Year. The Lesotho international walked away with R2000 as a runner-up, which is also a new addition.
The award is also a just reward for the long-serving football stalwart who has been consistent over the last two seasons.
In 2021 she was a nominee in the same SAFJA award – this after sharing the Top Goal scorer Award with Sundowns Ladies’ forward Andisiwe Mgcoyi.
With one cap shy of 150 for Banyana Banyana, Nyandeni was once on the books of WFC Rossiyanka in Russia, and even played UEFA Women’s Champions League football.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ forward Rhoda Mulaudzi was the inaugural winner of this award in 2020, followed by teammate, defender Bambanani Mbane in 2021.
“I just want to thank SAFJA for this wonderful award, and I would to urge them that we are known today because of the media, so they must not give up on us. Thanks to my fellow nominees for pushing me all the way, and gratitude also goes to SAFA and the Hollywoodbets for giving us this opportunity to display our talents. We are forever indebted to you,’ said an elated Nyandeni.
Hollywoodbets Senior Soccer Sponsorship Coordinator, Indira Albuquerque had this to say.
“Our role in this space is to promote and give exposure to the game, but we can never achieve this mission without the help of the media – and you guys must never forget your importance in all of this. We would like to thank SAFJA for the vision they have, which aligns with the strategy we have: to focus on women’s sport,” said Albuquerque.
“Women’s football is booming but it did not happen overnight, if you look at how far the likes of Europe and the USA have gone, you know that they had their own struggles and I believe we will reach great highs someday. As for you members of the media continue spreading that message about women’s football.
The event was also attended by the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the South African Football Association (SAFA), Lydia Monyepao.
“First of all I would like to congratulate the nominees, and I know it was not an easy decision because we also had the same challenges internally. We are all in an unfortunate position that we don’t broadcast all the games and that makes it difficult but it is something we are working on. I would also like to commend SAFJA for the good work you continue to do, giving recognition to the players – the recognition they not only deserve but also worked hard for,” said Monyepao.
“We all want pay parity but we are realistic that it will not happen overnight because, for starters, the Hollywoodbets Super League is not yet professional. At the moment players have to go work before going to train and then play on weekends, sometimes having to travel long – so the players are going through a lot. We want to see a situation where the players are more comfortable and can make a living out of football, not make it a hobby. This is a journey we hope we will achieve in the not so distant future. I also want to commend Hollywoodbets, they are lifesavers and doing a tremendous job – you coming on board was a masterstroke. The future of football is feminine – Europe is a prime example, with matches sold out. This tells you that people want to see more women’s football, one of the fastest growing spaces in the world.”
SAFJA also announced at the awards ceremony that after three years with Hollywoodbets, they have renewed their partnership.
“It is also with great pleasure that SAFJA announces the renewal of our partnership with licensed betting opera- tor Hollywoodbets. This partnership began at Safja’s inception three years ago, and it is exciting to be continuing to forge the strong bond,” said SAFJA chairperson Velile Mnyandu.
“It’s been a great journey with our partners Hollywoodbets, as we now 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 and, through our awards and particularly the prize money for the SAFJA Women’s Footballer of the Year accolade, they have shown great passion and commitment to the growth of women’s football in South Africa.”
HOW THE SAFJA AWARD WINNER IS DETERMINED:
- The 16 Hollywoodbets Super League coaches nominate three players each, then the number is tallied by the number of times each player was nominated
- Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis as well as SA U17 Women’s National Team coach Simphiwe Dludlu also nominated players
- We had a total of 16 players nominated from last season
- The top five is decided by how many votes (nominations) they reserved and in a case of a tie, the log position of their team decided if they go into the last five.
- Once the five is decided, the members of SAFJA will then vote and the player with the highest number of votes wins.
By Matlhomola Morake
