Defender Abbubaker Mobara's first season with Orlando Pirates has turned out to be bitter-sweet.
Mobara will be remembered for being part of the group that received some "tennis" scores during the season that led to a trophy-less season for Bucs.
The midfielder has been with Bucs since July after joining them on a three-year deal from Ajax Cape Town.
Mobara, though, will be credited with bringing something positive to the club after he picked up the Nedbank Cup player of the tournament award worth R150000 at the PSL Awards this week.
"It's a big relief to win this award after the season we've had," Mobara told Sowetan.
"We did badly this season and it is not something we should be happy about, but to win an individual [award] is something that some will say is bittersweet. I personally think it is a good feeling and it is things like this that motivate you to come back to win more," he said.
The 23-year-old insisted that his first season with the club has not been as bad as some make it out to be.
"Bad remarks will come out, because of the bad season we had but I think overall, outside the football, the way Pirates welcomed me into the team has been amazing," he said.
Pirates, meanwhile, will start their pre-season training tomorrow and Mobara has assured the Bucs faithful that things will be different next season.
"Football is like this and we just have to accept it and look forward to next season," Mobara said.
Orlando Pirates man takes one for the team
Defender Abbubaker Mobara's first season with Orlando Pirates has turned out to be bitter-sweet.
Mobara will be remembered for being part of the group that received some "tennis" scores during the season that led to a trophy-less season for Bucs.
The midfielder has been with Bucs since July after joining them on a three-year deal from Ajax Cape Town.
Mobara, though, will be credited with bringing something positive to the club after he picked up the Nedbank Cup player of the tournament award worth R150000 at the PSL Awards this week.
"It's a big relief to win this award after the season we've had," Mobara told Sowetan.
"We did badly this season and it is not something we should be happy about, but to win an individual [award] is something that some will say is bittersweet. I personally think it is a good feeling and it is things like this that motivate you to come back to win more," he said.
The 23-year-old insisted that his first season with the club has not been as bad as some make it out to be.
"Bad remarks will come out, because of the bad season we had but I think overall, outside the football, the way Pirates welcomed me into the team has been amazing," he said.
Pirates, meanwhile, will start their pre-season training tomorrow and Mobara has assured the Bucs faithful that things will be different next season.
"Football is like this and we just have to accept it and look forward to next season," Mobara said.