Rulani Mokwena weighs in on Teboho Mokoena's FOTY award

However, Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says the criteria used for the award should be measured by different factors.

"Tebza as compared to Ronwen [Williams] for example, you can't measure Tebza and Ronwen on the same matrix, their contributions are completely different. So, we have to understand that," he said.

"The influence of the footballer of the season goes way beyond just the goals and the assists because it's an influence that has to go into a space where you look at different dynamics and you look at different matrix and measurements that are put with regards to different positions and the demands that those positions take."

Downs enjoyed a clean sweep with Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena winning the Goalkeeper, Defender and Midfielder of the Year awards, respectively.

But it’s Mokoena’s gong that’s sparked rigorous debate.

"It just goes to validate the statement I made earlier about the 'Coach of the year' award, it's not possible if you don't have the goalkeeper of the year and it's not possible if you don't have the best defenders, you don't have the best midfielders, so, fortunately, we have an incredible group, a special group, a hard-working group and a group of players that commit themselves and are very honest in that space," the coach explained.

Mokwena also reacted to being named the DStv Premiership Coach of the Season.

He guided the Brazilians to their sixth straight title, making sure they arrive to that feat with seven games to spare.

Mokwena calls it a ‘team award’. 

"It's not possible without the commitment and the hard work of everyone involved so it's a team award. I don't like these individual awards; I always say because when you are in a space like football and I've grown up in football so I understand a little of what football means to many people."