“I dedicate this award to the team,” Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka reflected modestly after receiving the MTN Last Man Standing for his superb performances in the MTN8. He was handed over the trophy at last night’s PSL awards.

Maluleka scored three goals in the MTN8, all scored in the two semi-final matches against Platinum Stars. Most crucial were the two goals in the first leg, helping Amakhosi to a 2-0 win away in Rustenburg.

At that stage the 26-year-old was part of the in-form midfield trio MaLeMa (Maluleka, George Lebese and Mandla Masango), who were in shining form early in the season. Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane and Willard Katsande completed this awesome midfield combination.

Masango and Tefu Mashamaite were the other two nominees for the MTN Last Man Standing. Masango scored twice in the 4-0 win over Mpumalanga Black Aces in the first round, while Mashamaite scored the winner in the final against Orlando Pirates.

“All three of us deserved to win this award,” commented Maluleka afterwards. “Although, of course, it’s also special on a personal level. It’s my first PSL award.”