Bafana Bafana winger Pule dominates Orlando Pirates end-of-season awards

Bafana Bafana international Vincent Pule won the most accolades during Orlando Pirates' end-of-season awards.

The speedy winger was one of Bucs' most influential players during the 2020/21 season which saw the Soweto giants end their six-year trophy drought by clinching the 2020 MTN8 title. 

Pule has now been named Pirates' Player of the Season on the club's official Twitter page on Thursday, having played 39 matches across all competitions and scored nine goals.

However, the left-winger will share the accolade with his teammate Deon Hotto after the duo received the same number of votes from the fans, who voted on the club's official Twitter page.

Hotto, who is a winger-come-striker, quickly established himself as one of Pirates' key players after joining the Buccaneers from the now-defunct Bidvest Wits in September 2020.

The Namibia international scored seven goals and provided nine eight assists from 43 matches across all competitions in his debut season with the Soweto giants.

Pule also walked away with the club's Golden Boot accolade after scoring the most goals for the Houghton-based giants during the recent season.

The Free State-born player hit the back of the net nine times and it was his best season in front of goal since he joined Bucs from Wits in July 2018.

His teammate Tshegofatso Mabaso, who is a centre-forward by trade, narrowly missing out on the top scorer award after netting eight goals. 

Furthermore, Pule scooped Pirates' Goal of the Season accolade for his stunning goal against Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 semi-final first-leg match in October 2020.

The talented attacker controlled a cross from Thembinkosi Lorch very well in the box and he beat his marker, before firing past goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi as Pirates secured a 3-0 win. 

While Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori walked away with the club's Save of the Season award for his wonderful save in the MTN8 final against Bloemfontein Celtic in December 2020.

The Ghana international produced a quality reflex save to deny Celtic striker Ndumiso Mabena in the closing stages of the encounter.

Lastly, promising striker Boitumelo Radiopane was named Pirates' Prospect of the Season after he caught the eye with his goalscoring ability.

Radiopane won the DStv Diski Challenge Rewired Golden Boot award having netted six goals and he was also nominated for the Player of the Tournament accolade.