Banyana Banyana international Nompumelelo Mpumi Nyandeni has been crowned the 2022 South African Football Journalists Association Women’s Safja Footballer of the Year. The veteran forward went one step better after being nominated for the 2021 award.

Her performances for her previous club JVW FC stood out, as she fought off stiff competition from fellow nominees Boitumelo Rabale of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. University of Western Cape duo Amogelang Motau and Lonathemba Mhlongo. As well as Busisiwe Ndimeni, who left Tshwane University of Technology to join TS Galaxy.

Capped 149 times at senior international level Nyandeni walked away with the R15 000 prize money. The awards function was held at Tsogo Sun in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on Tuesday 21 March.

 MPUMI NYANDENI SCOOPS SAFJA FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR

She received the most votes from Safja members. This is after she also finished the 2022 season of the Hollywoodbets Super League as top scorer.

At 35, the two-time Olympics participant is proving to be an inspiration to the younger generation. Her latest achievement will serve as proof that age is just a number.

Meanwhile, Safja have also announced the renewal of its partnership with licensed betting operator Hollywoodbets. The partnership began at Safja’s inception three years ago. It is exciting to be continuing to forge the strong bond.

Our founding partner has played an integral role in the initiatives of the organisation, such as the Safja Men’s and Women’s Footballer of the Year awards, as well as the special Journalist of the Year accolade.

Also read: SAFA Hollywoodbets Super League IS BACK

“It’s been a great journey with our partners Hollywoodbets, as we now mark three years since we started working together in staging these awards,” said SAFJA chairperson Velile Mnyandu. 

“Our partnership started shortly before they came on board as title sponsors of the women’s Super League. Through our awards and particularly the prize money for the Safja Women’s Footballer of the Year accolade. They have shown great passion and commitment to the growth of women’s football in South Africa.

“We look forward to the growth of this partnership as we now embark on the major step of mentorship within SAFJA. Hollywoodbets will be integral in this initiative as the young journalists developed through this programme would give enhanced coverage of the Hollywoodbets Super League.”

Hollywoodbets Senior Soccer Sponsorship Coordinator, Indira Albuquerque, added:

“We are delighted to be a part of the Safja Awards once again this year.

“To contribute to rewarding well-performing athletes in football, as well as all deserving journalists in the industry. We pride ourselves in being involved with the development of the women’s game and will continue to do so. 

“The Hollywoodbets Super League has accentuated the platform for players to compete and be recognized. We hope that South African football as whole continues growing from strength to strength. Finally, congratulations to Nompumelelo Nyandeni and well done to all the nominees.”