Chippa United forward Sinoxolo Kwayiba has won the DStv Premiership Player of the Month for April while Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena grabbed the coach of the month. 

Kwayiba, who only joined the Chilli Boys at the start of the 2023/24 season, was a standout performer as he scored four goals in four matches in succession. This saw his side emerge victorious against Cape Town Spurs, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United. They also moved away from danger at the bottom of the log.

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The judging panel, made up of football commentators, analysts and journalists, were impressed by how he has adapted to an attacking position from defence since his arrival at the club from Pretoria Callies in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. His form in April saw the 25-year-old selected as the first player from Chippa United to win the monthly individual awards since the Gqeberha-based side was promoted to topflight football back in 2014.

Kwayiba emerged as the winner from a strong shortlist that also included Iqraam Rayners of Stellenbosch FC and the Orlando Pirates duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Patrick Maswanganyi.

RULANI MOKWENA GRABBS COACH OF THE MONTH AWARD AHEAD OF JOSE RIVEIRO AND STEVE BARKER 

Rhulani Mokwena was named the DStv Premiership Coach of the Month for the second time this season. After claiming the prize in August, the Sundowns league-winning coach has been recognised once more after overseeing an impressive April with Sundowns.

For Mokwena, April got underway with a 1-0 win over Richards Bay. Sundowns continued in a similarly impressive vein of form during the month beating Cape Town Spurs (1-0), Sekhukhune United (2-1), TS Galaxy (3-0). They were held to a 2-2 draw away at Moroka Swallows. Mokwena was praised for maintaining his side’s winning consistency and remarkable continued unbeaten run in the league during the period of fixtures while still locked to their commitments in the CAF Champions League.

Mokwena received the most votes ahead of Orlando Pirates coach Jose Rivieiro, Steve Barker of Stellenbosch and Chippa United co-coaches Kwanele Kopo and Thabo September.

For their recognition, all the winning coaches and players will each receive a trophy and R7, 000 courtesy of DStv.

Judges for April: Simphiwe Dludlu (SABC Sport, convenor), Brian Mofokeng (SABC Sport), Sazi Hadebe (Sunday Times). Mihlali Baleka (Independent Newspapers), Mmasekepe Matsebane (Power FM)