Although Venda Football Club (VFC) did not finish at the top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) log or secure a place in the promotional play-offs last season, the club still has something to celebrate. The team's first-choice goalkeeper, Malcolm Jacobs, has been nominated for the Motsepe Foundation Championship Goalkeeper of the Season award.
The Premier Soccer League released the full list of nominees in the various categories last Friday. The 36-year-old Jacobs is competing for the award alongside Siphamandla Hleza of Milford FC and Mickey van der Hart of Cape Town City. Jacobs joined Maunavhathu on 1 August last year.
VFC chairperson Mr Itani Munzhelele said Jacobs' nomination did not come by chance, but was the result of relentless hard work, unwavering discipline, exceptional professionalism and the courage to perform consistently under pressure.
“Throughout the season, Malcolm has been a pillar of strength for our team, making decisive saves, commanding his area with authority and giving confidence to everyone wearing the VFC jersey,” he said.
Munzhelele added that, whether Malcolm ultimately wins the award or not, he has already earned the respect of his teammates, opponents and the football community at large, while putting the Vhembe district on the map.
The award ceremony will be held on Monday, 27 July.
Jacobs said the credit should go to his teammates and the technical staff, who made his job easier throughout the season.
VFC finished the season in ninth place with 36 points.