After being named the best goalkeeper in the PSL, Cape Town City’s Hugo Marques wants to conquer Africa.
Marques beat off competition from Sekhukhune United’s Toaster Nsabata and AmaZulu and Bafana Bafana star Veli Mothwa in Sunday night’s 2022 PSL Awards to get his gloves on the prize.
The Portuguese-born Angola international made history by becoming the first man in PSL history to keep 10 clean sheets, going on to complete 15 shutouts, as Eric Tinkler’s manne finished second in the league and bring Caf Champions League football to the Mother City for the first time.
The 36-year-old says: “It’s a big honour for me to put my name side by side with the other big goalkeepers of South African history.”
That’s not bad for a man who only joined the Citizens as an emergency signing at the start of the season.
City had signed Bafana veteran Darren Keet to replace Groningen-bound Dutch goalie Peter Leeuwenburgh.
But Keet suffered a knee injury that would keep him out for most of the campaign before the season kicked off, leaving City scrambling for an experienced No.1.
In stepped Marques, whose calm presence at the back and super saves helped City shore up their defence and go on a 12-game unbeaten run that helped them qualify for continental football.
21/22 Goalkeeper of the Season!
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 29, 2022
Congratulations to our #1 Hugo Marques 🥇![CDATA[]]>🏆#PSLAwards2022 #iamCityFC 💙![CDATA[]]>💛 pic.twitter.com/65QMd8sgml
And he can’t wait to compete in the big time, saying: “I hope next season [up] there again, because I’m going to work hard and try to do the same or better.”
“Let’s go conquer Africa.”
Destination: CAF Champions League🤩
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 28, 2022
Cape Town City have officially qualified for 2022/23 CAF Champions League. Our highest finish since the club’s inception.
What a season! What a ride! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/1UsQAi6aeD
PSL PREMIERSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Footballer of the Season and Premiership Players’ Player of the Season: Peter Shalulile (Sundowns).
Coach of the Season: Manqoba Mngqithi & Rhulani Mokwena (Sundowns).
Goalkeeper of the Season: Hugo Marques (CT City).
Midfielder of the Season, MTN 8 Last Man Standing and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament: Andile Jali (Sundowns). Defender of the Season: Lyle Lakay (Sundowns).
Young Player of the Season: Luke Fleurs (SuperSport United)