AFCON the stuff of dreams for Premiership player of the month Tawanda Maswanhise of Motherwell

Motherwell star Tawanda Maswanhise has been named the Premiership Player of the Month for November.

The Zimbabwe international scored three goals as he helped the Steelmen to two wins and two draws last month that leaves them third in the league.

A brace against Kilmarnock helped his side pick up a 3-1 away win at Rugby Park, before netting one as they took all three points with a 2-0 victory over Hibernian.

He has been one of the standout players under Jens Berthel Askou this season, with Motherwell earning plaudits for their style of play.

His form has earned him a place in the Zimbabwe squad for the African Cup of Nations, being held in Morocco later this month.

The tournament kicks off on December 21 and will run until the final of January 18.

Zimbabwe have been drawn against South Africa, Egypt and Angola, and Maswanhise is looking forward to playing his part.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he said: “Honestly, I’m so excited. It’s my first one, and there are some big names playing in this tournament.

“And I’m playing a few big players in my first game, so hopefully I can really show myself against top opposition.

“I think playing at that level, in that tournament, trying to make a goal or two will give me massive confidence coming back as well. So hopefully that can happen.”

Maswanhise was speaking after being named as the league’s best player in November, and he hoped the award will be the first of many to come.

On receiving the recognition for his performances, he said: “It is a really big achievement, it is my first one and hopefully the first of many.

“Hopefully I can continue the form I am on the moment and collect more of these special awards.

“Hopefully I can just carry on just shocking myself, really, not you guys, just shocking myself.

“I feel there’s so much more in me that you guys need to see, and what I need to do as well for myself. Hopefully, I can hit the targets I have in my head.

“I think it’s just a belief the manager gives me, to play with freedom and confidence.

“And what he’s telling me to do is working so hopefully I can just keep continuing doing what I’m doing.

“I know I’m confident in front of goal. Every chance I get, hopefully I can make sure it’s on target and hopefully it’s a goal.

“I think I need to work on my game intelligence and a lot more physical strength as well.

“I know what I’m doing now looks good. But when I obviously increase my physical strength, my game intelligence, it’s going look so much better and more neater as well.”