EDUCATION and sport development MEC, Sello Lehari has applauded North West-based Platinum Stars for their illustrious performance on ABSA Premier Soccer League this past season.
Dikwena, as Platinum Stars Football Club is affectionately known, came out third, above giants like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
The club held an awards ceremony for its players at Royal Marang Hotel near Rustenburg on Sunday.
“Platinum Stars is the only team from the North West province that is playing in the Premier Soccer League. We need to commend them for finishing in top 3 with 47 points. They will now be representing South Africa at the forthcoming edition of the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
“As Bokone Bophirima provincial government, we are thrilled. We also want to pledge our support for the team. They represented the province well and we highly-appreciate that. They have found their niche in the football fraternity and they are well-respected,” Lehari said.
He added: “We are behind Dikwena and want to wish them well in the next season. The success of the team will benefit our sport development. We also want to see more football players from the province being nurtured and form part of the team.
“Bokone Bophirima has abundance of talents and we have proved that in the past. We are the province with a force to be reckoned. We also urge people in Bokone Bophirima to support Dikwena as Platinum Stars affectionately known,” Lehari said.
The MEC pointed out that the team will tour the province with the suppot of government to mobilise support. Individual players will also be invited to different schools to give motivational talks to, pupils.
“The players will motivate and encourage our learners about healthy lifestyle. It is very imperative for our people to know the importance of exercising. We also encourage our young children to participate in various sporting code,” Lehari said.
Club chairperson, Cliff Ramoroa assured all and sundry that this team belonged to the Bokone Bophirima province.
“On behalf of the team, I want to assure everyone that this team belongs to the province. We are very grateful of the unwavering support. The team will continue to represents the province and we believe that together we can achieve our obligation,” Ramoroa said.
Platinum Stars striker, Ndumiso Mabena stole the show and collected four awards. He won Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Star of the Season and the Crystal Boot for finishing as the club’s top scorer with 10 goals.
He said: “I am very humbled to receive these four awards. I am speechless as I did not expect so many awards. The only award I was sure about was the golden boot. The other three have been voted for by the players. I would like to thank God who gave us power, wisdom and strength throughout the season.”
-TDN
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