Black Leopards awarded prizes to the best players of the previous season during the team’s awards ceremony at the Meropa Casino last Wednesday evening.

Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Dipuo Duba encouraged the recipients to work for hard the development of the country as they are seen as ambassadors of the entire province. "It is a known and undisputable fact that football elsewhere and in this province brings economic spin-offs to people, even outside the football trade. The continued participation of our team therefore contributes to the much-needed economic benefits to our people,” she said.

Leopards’ chairman, Mr David Thidiela, extended a word of gratitude to his players who had punched above their weight during the CAF Confederations Cup by reaching the last 16 stage.

The players who received awards are: Young Player of the Season (R20 000) - Ernot Dzaga; Black Leopards special award (R20 000) - Rodney Ramagalela; Record-breaker award (R30 000) - Nkosiyabo Xakane, who played in all 30 league matches; Black Leopards chairman's award (R100 000) - Manager Sam Khaphathe; Players' player of the season (R20 000) - Humphrey Khoza; Black Leopards player of the season (R40 000) - Mongezi Bobe, the captain of the team.