Tefu Mashamaite's clean sweep of the PSL's footballer, players' player and defender of the season awards completes a remarkable turnaround from a centre-back whose qualities as a Kaizer Chiefs player were being questioned three years ago. Mashamaite had played in just 12 league games and lost form and confidence under Vladimir Vermezovic in 2011-2012. With the arrival of Mulomowandau Mathoho and Morgan Gould, he was transfer-listed but escaped the chop.The former Wits defender was a much improved player as Chiefs won a league and cup double under Stuart Baxter in 2012-2013. Last season, he became the ever-present cog in central defence, ahead of Mathoho and Gould."At the end of 2012, we had finished under 'VV' [Vermezovic] with me, Thomas Sweswe and Dominic Isaacs as centre-backs. I was on the transfer list. Fortunately I stayed," Mashamaite said after the PSL Awards at Sandton Convention Centre on Sunday night."Then the team was transformed and we had 'Tower' [Mathoho] and Morgan come in as the ideal centre-back pairing. But one thing I really worked on was impressing the new coach. He was fresh and not biased."In the pre-season camp in Potchefstroom, I really wanted to show him I deserved to be part of the team. We had a great season, and now we are here talking."If you're going to listen to what people think about you, then you lose a sense of yourself."I respect people's opinions. Sometimes a person saying something bad about you can really motivate you to work harder."Baxter said he never doubted Mashamaite's ability."I just saw his qualities. I think if you let people know their qualities, and show some understanding for their weaknesses, even normal people would get on better together," the coach said."As a coach I always try to give him a clear role so he can channel those qualities into that role. I think Masha's performance has increased with that understanding of his role."The first live match Mashamaite attended was the BobSave Superbowl final in 1992 between Chiefs and Jomo Cosmos at FNB Stadium.Asked what that young boy would say to him now, Mashamaite replied: "He would probably give me a big hug, and tell me he's proud of me."Today I received an award from Lucas Radebe, and he was playing that day."The little Tefu was watching Radebe play and tonight he's receiving an award from him. It's one of those things that dreams are made of."He pocketed R450000 in total for his awards haul.Tefu 'will stay with Amakhosi'Jazzman Mahlakgane, the agent of newly crowned footballer of the year Tefu Mashamaite, could not promise that his client's contract negotiations with Kaizer Chiefs would be finalised as early as this week. He did, however, vow that the defender would commit his future to the club." The one thing I can make clear is that Mashamaite will be with Chiefs. It is only a question of agreeing on the terms," Mahlakgane said.Mashamaite's contract with Amakhosi expires next month, and he is believed to be a target for Mamelodi Sundowns, who bid farewell to their captain and defender Alje Schut following their Nedbank Cup triumph in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.Mazola Molefe..