Free State Stars announces new players
The Free State Stars FC tonight announced six new players to reinforce the team for the Premier Soccer League 2013/14 season, which starts next month.
The players were officially welcomed at the Free State Stars Awards Dinner hosted by the club's major sponsor, Bonitas Medical Fund, in Bethlehem, Free State.
Mthokozisi Vincent Yende, from Maritzburg United; Lucky Nhlanhla Mokoena, formerly of Maluti FET; Mongezi Bobe, from Black Leopards; Kefiwe Owen Sijoko, from Bloemfontein Young Tigers; Ghanaians Daniel Agyei, from Liberty Professionals, and Abdul Basit Adam, from New Edubiase United were announced by Free State Stars General Manager, Rantsi Mokoena, as the newly signed players.
Mokoena further named Paulus Masehe as the new club captain, with Sambu Wellington as the vice-captain and Katlego Mashego as the second vice-captain.
Mokoena said the new players had all started training with the club already. "They began training shortly after being signed up, as we consider training way ahead of the start of the sports season to be critical for the club's success and to improve the team cohesion," he said.
The gala event was attended by the Free State Stars team, management and support, sport administrators, sponsors and government dignitaries from the local municipality, and, notably, a delegation from Lesotho, including the Honourable Prime Minister of Lesotho, Motsoahae Thomas Thabane.
The most prestigious award of the night, Player of the Season, went to Paulus Masehe, who also walked away with the Most Consistent and Player's Player awards. Luyolo Nomandela and Daniel Cardoso shared Rookie of the Season awards. Nomandela also received the Top Goal Scorer Award.
The Chairman's Award went to Mashego, and Enva Wiltwer bagged the Most Disciplined Player Award.
A Bonitas Award was presented to Katlego Mashego for his outstanding physical and mental determination, his discipline and his fortitude in the face of seemingly unbeatable odds after having suffered a devastating leg break in the season. This player was a natural choice for this award, and an example for all sportsmen, professional or not.
Bonitas Medical Fund Principal Officer, Dr Bobby Ramasia, said Bonitas is an active ambassador of good health and is committed to ensuring not only that more South African citizens have access to affordable medical cover, but also participate in sports that encourage good health and discipline.
"We have, over the years, lived up to our role to promote good health through the continuous sponsorships of various sports in South Africa and the extensive support we give to them. The Bonitas Award is a symbol of our commitment to this and a token of our appreciation to achievers in the sporting codes that we support," said Ramasia.
Bonitas Medical Fund [email protected]
Free State Stars Press Office Tel: (+27) 58 303 3401/8305 E-mail: [email protected]