By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Stellenbosch FC hosted their annual awards gala on Tuesday evening, with Iqraam Rayners being named the club’s Footballer of the Season and winning a further two awards.
Rayners, who is battling with Orlando Pirates striker Tsegofatso Mabasa for this season’s top scorer title in the DStv Premiership, won the top award plus the Fan’s Player of the Season and the club’s Golden Boot ward.
Stellies are playing their best-ever DStv Premiership campaign, having already booked their spot in an CAF Interclub competition, and could potentially qualify for the CAF Champions League.
In addition, they also won their first-ever trophy after securing the Carling Knockout Cup, beating TS Galaxy on penalties.
The 28-year-old Rayners hit a record-equaling five goals in a single match against Polokwane City last month and has been a major contributing factor in Stellenbosch’ march to a first ever top three position.
Devin Titus won the Players’ Player of the Season award, voted for by his peers, while Jayden Adams was named young Player of the Season. Adams became the club’s first South African international when he played for Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in January.
Midfielder Sihle Nduli was named Sportsman of the Year.
There were also awards for Stellenbosch’s successful DStv Diski Challenge winning team with Kyle Bailey the Player of the Season, Simthandile Sishi the Sportsman of the Year and Mervyn Boji the Golden Boot winner.