Who is Kaizer Chiefs' Player of the Season?

Chiefs set an unwanted record of going three full seasons without a major trophy, but who was their star performer this season?

Kaizer Chiefs again had an average season by their standards, but they still managed to finish in the top three; their highest position since winning the league in May 2015.

Their fans even forced Steve Komphela to vacate his position as head coach immediately after their Nedbank Cup semi-final loss to Free State Stars in Durban in April.

While they may have not won anything for a third successive season, there were still some outstanding performers within the team, but who is their Player of the Season?

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3. SIPHIWE TSHABALALA

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The left-footed player had a slow start to the 2017/18 season, but when he gained momentum, he lifted Chiefs up and contributed immensely to their top three finish.

Shabba made 38 appearances in all competitions, registering 10 assists and scoring four goals in all competitions in the process.

At 33, the former Free State Stars winger showed that age is nothing but a number. His versatility also made it possible for the Chiefs technical team to use him everywhere in the field of play.

He was at some point played as a left wing back, but he never complained. Instead, he showed maturity and professionalism to fight for the Amakhosi badge.

Tshabalala has won many accolades in the past, but he's no doubt one of the players deserving of a mention for his contribution this season even without a single gold medal to show for it.

2. DANIEL CARDOSO

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When Chiefs signed Teenage Hadebe, many thought it was the end of Cardoso given his injury struggles and his lack of game time in previous seasons.

However, the versatile defender proved just why he was among the highly-rated centre-backs in the country when Amakhosi first showed interest in him whilst at Ea Lla Koto.

Steve Komphela gave him a chance, perhaps not knowing that Cardoso would grab it with both hands, and he did that brilliantly so, making 37 appearances in all competitions for the club.

What made Cardoso tick was the ability to read the game and make some crucial tackles throughout the season, and silencing his critics in the process.

He kept his place in the team even after Hadebe's recovery, and for his consistency, Cardoso was certainly among the top performers for the Glamour Boys this season.

1. ITUMELENG KHUNE

The 30-year-old shot-stopper played a huge role in ensuring that Chiefs didn't lose matches this season. He was the pillar of strength for them and his committment is unquestionable.

Even when Chiefs struggled with injuries to key players and the club fielded their weaker side, Khune still produced a series of top performances and he should be applauded for that.

Pitso Mosimane has already tipped him for the PSL's Player of the Season award, and looking back at his displays, Khune is undoubtedly a strong contender for the accolade.

Khune conceded the least number of goals all season (23) in all competitions, and kept a whopping 20 clean sheets in 35 appearances for Chiefs.

If there's anyone who deserves all the accolades on offer, then it is none other Khune for his stellar performances and magnificent saves that made Chiefs finish in a respectable position despite their disappointing season.