Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Petros Molemela and Leepile Taunyane are some of the gods of South African soccer expected to be honoured by the South African Football Association on November 8.

The inaugural Safa Awards at Sandton Convention Centre are expected to be attended by the who's who of local soccer.

Safa's national executive committee has appointed its life president, Lesole Gadinabokao, to coordinate the awards in partnership with its 52 regions.

Gadinabokao is working closely with Safa employees, communications director Morio Sanyane and competitions director Balebetse Monnakgotla.

Sanyane could not be reached for comment as he is in Australia for interviews for a documentary on the history of South African soccer ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Gadinabokao said: "We have been mandated by Safa to prepare for the awards, we are launching it this year but it will be a yearly event.

"The aim is to recognise excellence in South African soccer. I have asked the 52 regions to nominate people that they want to see being honoured.

"Right now we are still waiting for the regions to come back with the names. The awards will also help to educate the youngsters about the history of our soccer."

Gadinabokao said they have decided to start with six categories - regional administration, referees, coaching, national teams, competitions and presidential.

For competitions, the best players in the various Safa competitions will be honoured.

The same with national teams - from Majimbos and Banyana Banyana to Bafana Bafana.

"We are working closely with members of the technical staff on the honouring of the national teams' players," said Gadinabokao.

For the presidential awards section, outgoing Safa boss Molefi Oliphant will honour people who contributed to the success of the sport in this country.

Names that come to mind include Kalamazoo Mokone, Lucas Radebe, Stix Morewa, Reuben Mogashoa, Zacharia Mosetle and Sylvester Ndaba.