Latest news with #PSLPlayeroftheYear
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Beyond the final whistle: Five contenders for the PSL Player of the Year award
Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Beneath the bright lights and the roar of crowds lies a journey often unseen – a path carved by toil, grit and endless sacrifice. While the beauty of the game may dazzle those who watch from afar, it is the unseen struggle of the players, week in and week out, that truly breathes life into the spectacle. Each stride, each challenge faced, is a testament to their devotion – and when the season winds down, it brings a quiet joy to see those who have given their all finally bask in recognition. This past Premiership season was painted with unforgettable moments – flashes of brilliance, unexpected twists, and stories that unfolded both within and beyond the four white lines. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ And though the award may only crown one, we pause to honour those who stood tall throughout the storm – players whose performances demanded applause, and whose names now rightfully enter the conversation for the PSL Player of the Year... Lucas Ribeiro Costa Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The Brazilian playmaker was central to Mamelodi Sundowns' historic 18th league title, guiding the side to their eighth consecutive crown with elegance and purpose. At 26, Ribeiro Costa made his presence felt not just with numbers – 16 goals and nine assists – but through leadership in the final third. He consistently dictated play, linking up fluently with teammates, while showing sharp instincts and game intelligence. Remarkably, he did so while staying clear of suspensions and injuries, underscoring his consistency and discipline. It was a season that placed him firmly among the best in the land. Relebohile Mofokeng Relebohile Mofokeng has been urged to move abroad in order to continue growing as a footballer. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix A rising star whose name is already etched in the hearts of Orlando Pirates fans, Mofokeng lit up the season with flair and fearlessness. His creativity, dribbling and composure under pressure made him a nightmare for defenders and a joy for spectators. Mofokeng played a pivotal role in pushing Pirates to a second-place finish, and was influential in many key moments. His meteoric rise has already sparked comparisons to some of South Africa's greats, and his inclusion among the top performers this season is richly deserved. Devin Titus Stellenbosch FC star Devin Titus (left). Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Often working away from the spotlight, Titus delivered yet another season of consistent excellence for Stellenbosch FC. The 24-year-old winger featured in every league game, providing eight goals and five assists in a campaign that saw Stellies continue to overachieve. Despite the club's modest resources, Titus' work ethic and attacking output were crucial as they secured another impressive finish. His growth and maturity reflect a player who leads by example, and his reliability cannot be overstated. Iqraam Rayners MAMELODI Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners continues to add his name to the history of the club. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Rayners proved once again why he's one of the PSL's most reliable goal-getters. The striker finished with 14 goals – second only in the Golden Boot race to Ribeiro Costa (16) – while also supplying nine assists, showcasing the growth to his game. His transition to Sundowns after joining at the start of the season was seamless, and his all-round contribution in the final third made him a constant threat. With both finishing and playmaking in his locker, Rayners is a strong candidate for top honours. Keletso Makgalwa Keletso Makgalwa of Sekhukhune United (right) is challenged by Hendrick Ekstein of AmaZulu. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
The South African
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Why is nobody talking about Monnapule Saleng?
It's strange to see spectacular footballers fall into relative obscurity. That's what's happened to Monnapule Saleng at Orlando Pirates. Did we perhaps overrate the occasionally brilliant winger because he can win matches on his own? 27-year-old Saleng now faces the prospect of wasting away in the reserves without any prospects of moving to secure first-team football. After not featuring for the Orlando Pirates first team since December 2024, speculation was rife that 27-year-old wide attacker Monnapule Saleng had admirers across the continent and even some in Europe. However, all of that chatter has died down. That's not a great sign for the player or Pirates, who'd ideally like to get a big fee for him. What is Saleng earning at Pirates? Saleng produced a dazzling output of 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-2023 to be crowned PSL Player of the Year. 2023-2024 didn't reach those heights, but class, as they say, is permanent. He was easily the best player in South Africa, by a mile. In October 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final and then grabbed the only goal in the final to vanquish AmaZulu. There's no doubt that Saleng loves big games. Can he rekindle this form and rise from the ashes like a phoenix, or has that ship sailed? Orlando Pirates XI next season with two brand new signings What do you think is the best next move for the player? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Throwback to Saleng at his best for Orlando Pirates
Monnapule Saleng was a menace to defenders in the 2022-2023 season. Will Orlando Pirates ever see that version of him again? Once Player of the Season, now Saleng is one of the PSL's forgotten men. Orlando Pirates must find a resolution to this issue, otherwise it will detract from their on-pitch goals in 2025-2026. What is Saleng earning at Pirates? Saleng produced a dazzling output of 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-2023 to be crowned PSL Player of the Year. 2023-2024 didn't reach those heights, but class, as they say, is permanent. He was easily the best player in South Africa, by a mile. In October 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final and then grabbed the only goal in the final to vanquish AmaZulu. There's no doubt that Saleng loves big games. Orlando Pirates XI next season with two brand new signings The last time 27-year-old Monnapule Saleng kicked a competitive ball for the club was in December 2024. Depending on who you believe and what you read, Saleng could be heading to Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns, Al Ahly or any number of European clubs like Anderlecht or Monaco. The talk of the town. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Where will Monnapule Saleng be playing his football next season? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs fans plead for Mama Joy and Saleng
The comments sections on this publication rarely disappoint. Kaizer Chiefs fans want Mamy Joy and Monnapule Saleng at Naturena. Infamous public figure Mama Jot leads a life most sports fanatics in South Africa can only dream of. Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng is still unsure where he will be playing his football next season. After Pirates hesitated to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he's unhappy at the club, that will certainly drive his price down. Pirates' bargaining position is significantly weakened. The player's reluctance to stay is a big issue, but that doesn't mean they can't get a good sum for the 26-year-old. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R44 million) when Mbulelo 'Oldjohn' Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It's unlikely the Sea Robbers can fetch a number in that region, but there's no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year shouldn't command a decent fee. The talk of the town. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Nobody has ever questioned the loyalty of Kaizer Chiefs fans. Just look at the continuous disappointments they have to face and they just keep getting back up off the ground. Could Mama Joy become the latest Chiefs 'Super Fan' to keep morale in the stadium up? Should Chiefs make a proposal to sign Saleng? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
No wonder Saleng wants to leave Orlando Pirates, look at his salary!
Monnapule Saleng has been painted as the bad guy by several Orlando Pirates fans. However, there's more happening than meets the eye. Mercurial winger Saleng hasn't featured for the club since December 2024. The 27-year-old will reportedly agitate for a move this winter window. According to Goal, Monnapule Saleng's salary isn't among the very highest in the PSL. It's in the region of R70,000, or R280,000 a month. It's not shabby, but it means he's not in the top percentile of earners in South Africa. 'If he were not an important asset, Bafana could not have called him,' Saleng's friend Boikanyo Maine told Sunday World . 'We are requesting that Pirates consider what he wants. It's unfair, imagine getting R70,000 but your contribution in most of the matches speaks volumes while somebody [else] is getting R500,000.' Saleng produced a dazzling output of 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-2023 to be crowned PSL Player of the Year. 2023-2024 didn't reach those heights, but class, as they say, is permanent. He was easily the best player in South Africa, by a mile. In October 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final. There's no doubt that Saleng loves big games. Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng. Image: X @orlandopirates Where will Saleng play his football next season? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
