Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker was left flabbergasted after his star player Junior Mendieta was snubbed for the Midfielder of the Season nominees.
Mendieta, 29, had a breathtaking campaign and was involved in 17 goals in 26 appearances – with only Orlando Pirates winger having a better record.
He scored Stellies’ 2-1 winner in their final league game over TS Galaxy, but Barker insisted it’s not just attacking returns which should’ve seen him among the PSL awards nominees.
“It’s an absolute tragedy for me,” he said.
“I mean his numbers are far better than some of the other nominated players. He’s is in the top 5 or 6 for many things, even defensive actions.
“He’s got more goals and assists than those players put together, more tackles than those players – I’m not talking about the goalkeeper now, but the others.
“So he deserved to have got a nomination. There is no doubt in my mind that he should’ve been among the top three but he’s important to us.
“Again he showed his class today, with a good quality header to score the winner. His goal involvements this season have been really good, not only scoring but assisting.
“So yeah, disappointed for him but happy that he’s our player and that he’ll continue to bring those numbers for us.”
Meanwhile, Iqraam Rayners was nominated for the Nedbank Cup Player of the Season, while Olwethu Makhanya and Devon Titus were nominated for the Nedbank Cup Most Provision Player, and Makhanya also made the shortlist for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season gong.
