South African national team reject Tefu Mashamaite was $40,000 (35,000 euros) richer Monday after scooping three of the annual Premier Soccer League awards.

The centre-back from champions Kaizer Chiefs was voted Player of the Season, Players' Player of the Season and Defender of the Season.

Other Player of the Season finalists were Eric Mathoho, another centre-back in a Chiefs defence that conceded only 14 goals in 30 league games, and Polokwane City midfielder Cole Alexander.

Mashamaite was a shock omission from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squad after playing in the final qualifier against Nigeria.

The defender reacted to his awards with typical humility: "When I run on the field it is not about me, it is about the team."

Coaches of the 16 top-flight South African clubs chose the Player of the Season.