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ZIMBABWE defensive link Willard Katsande was last night among the favourites to land the South African Player of the Year accolade.
The Warriors gritty midfielder, to cap a fine season, was nominated along Sibusiso Vilakazi of Wits University and Teko Modise of Mamelodi Sundowns for the top award in the South African Premiership sponsored by Absa Bank.

Although the title race was not decided on the final day of the season, the 2013/14 PSL campaign proved to be a record-breaking one, complete with unpredictable twists and turns.

Newly-crowned champions Mamelodi Sundowns wrote again their own piece of history while  a number of stars shone brightly this season. Below is a team of the season in a 4-4-2 formation selected by former Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey.
Goalkeeper

Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs/RSA)

Over the season’s duration, the undisputed Amakhosi and Bafana Bafana No 1 has been the most dependable goal-minder. The 26-year-old’s talents know no bounds. He’s an excellent shot-stopper, accomplished ball distributor and star performer who keeps raising the bar.

Defenders

Vuyo Mere (Platinum Stars/RSA)

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a career renaissance at Platinum Stars. He led by example this season, displaying heart and steely determination. While he can improve his crossing, for me, he stands tall as the most consistent right-back this campaign.
Alje Schut (c) (Mamelodi Sundowns/HOL)

The Dutch defender enjoyed an outstanding season and he earns my vote for player of the season. He’s a true leader, sound organiser and excellent reader of the game. Moreover, the left centre-back oozes confidence and a will to win. He also popped up with some important goals.

Tefu Mashamaite (Kaizer Chiefs/RSA)

The commanding right centre-back is strong in the tackle and imposing aerially. I believe he should now start getting more of a look-in for the national team as he has all the qualities required to dominate at the highest level.

Thabo Matlaba (Orlando Pirates/RSA)

Matlaba is a gifted player from a technical viewpoint. Furthermore, he supports the defence, gets forward and down the touchline with pace, and possesses the ability to come inside and shoot off either foot. I might add, he even scored more goals this season than some of the strikers.

Midfielders

Sibusiso Vilakazi (Bidvest Wits/RSA)

Wits’ talisman is a versatile player, which is why I’ve selected him wide right of midfield. The 24-year-old boasts terrific technique, pace aplenty and he has the ability to score goals. In addition, “The General” is a box-to-box midfielder with an impressive work rate.
Willard Katsande (Kaizer Chiefs/ZIM)

The hard-tackling Zimbabwean enjoyed a sound season. His work ethic is unbelievable and he never appears to run out of energy. The defensive midfielder continues to mature into his role at Naturena and has developed most in terms of his decision-making.

Teko Modise (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)

In my book, Modise is the most improved player of the season. The veteran, who won his first league title, came of age and pulled the strings from midfield. He’s a technically gifted player with an astute passing game. In seasons past, he was negative in his passing – sideways and backwards. However, during the 2013/14 campaign he discovered the diagonal pass, the short-forward pass and the long pass.

Themba Zwane (Mpumalanga Black Aces/RSA)

The man on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns proved a revelation this season. He has pace to burn, is unafraid to take players on, possesses great vision and knows how to pick a pass. When the Tembisa-born player adds goals to his game, I believe he will be one of South Africa’s finest footballers.

Forwards

Bernard Parker (Kaizer Chiefs/RSA)

While the goals may have dried up for the marksman towards the latter stage of the season, he remains a proven performer, having ended as the league’s top goalscorer with 10 strikes. He is a versatile forward who has the skillset required to play up front, behind the main striker or left wide.

Anthony Laffor (Mamelodi Sundowns/LIB)

The lanky Liberian proved a key link man for Sundowns this season. While categorised by many as a winger, much like Parker, Laffor is positionally versatile. He is quick off the mark, possesses a lovely first-touch and makes life hard for defenders with his power and precision play. – Supersport