Mofokeng, Nkota among five stars making a strong case for PSL Young Player of the Year
DUBBED the Cocomelons, and one of them as the president of the Ama-2K, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota are among the youngsters lighting up the local football scene. | BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The 2024/25 Premiership season has been the most fiercely contested campaign in recent memory, and what has truly stood out is the rise of young talent across the league.
Many youngsters have not only stepped up, but have also played pivotal roles in their teams' success.
Here, Obakeng Meletse profiles five stand-out under-21 players who have caught the eye, and could be in serious contention for the PSL Young Player of the Season award. Puso Dithejane – TS Galaxy (20)
Puso Dithejane of TS Galaxy. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky, BackpagePix
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
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Since swapping Kaizer Chiefs' youth structures for TS Galaxy, Dithejane has been on an upward trajectory.
His contribution has been instrumental in the Rockets' remarkable turnaround – climbing from the bottom of the table to an impressive fifth-place finish.
The young midfielder featured in 27 matches, scoring twice, and displayed the level of consistency needed to thrive at the highest level.
His development has been one of the biggest positives for Galaxy this season, and his future at the club looks increasingly bright. Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates (20)
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has warned of rushing Relebohile Mofokeng to find a club in Europe. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Mofokeng continues to make strides in the Orlando Pirates set-up.
He improved his goal tally this season, finishing with five strikes – two more than last season.
His ability to stretch defences, attract markers, and create spaces for teammates made him a crucial part of the Buccaneers' attacking structure.
Though his assist numbers remain low and his finishing at times erratic, Mofokeng's influence is undeniable.
In his 26 league appearances, he consistently saw a lot of the ball, and was central to much of Pirates' attacking build-up.
Sharpening his end-product could make him one of the league's most complete attacking threats in the near future. Mohau Nkota – Orlando Pirates (20)
Mohau Nkota Mohau Nkota of Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
It was a break-out season for Nkota, another product of the Pirates youth system.
The 20-year-old winger proved his worth in a strong campaign for Jose Riveiro's men, who chased Mamelodi Sundowns closely for much of the league season.
Nkota played in 25 league games, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
His explosive pace and direct running style posed a threat to defenders across the league, and his ability to stretch defences gave Pirates an important edge going forward. Malibongwe Khoza – Mamelodi Sundowns (21)
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe Khoza. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season with Mamelodi Sundowns, making 18 appearances in a star-studded squad overflowing with depth and quality.
Despite limited opportunities, Khoza has proven himself to be a defensive rock, and his composure and positional awareness have been key to Sundowns boasting one of the stingiest defences in the league, conceding just 13 goals this past season. Mbekezeli Mbokazi — Orlando Pirates (19)
Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi impressed for Bafana. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
While perhaps considered an outsider for the Young Player of the Season award, Mbokazi has a compelling case.
Drafted in midway through the campaign due to an injury crisis in defence, the 19-year-old made the step up from Pirates' DStv Diski Challenge side look seamless.
He delivered assured performances in the league campaign, showing maturity and poise beyond his years.
His progress was further rewarded with a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for recent international friendlies – a testament to his rapid rise and readiness for top-tier football.
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