The 2023/24 DStv Premiership has witnessed a refreshing wave of youthful exuberance, with raw talent taking centre stage. These rookie sensations impressed many and are tipped to be the next big thing in SA football.
Last season, it was former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula who had a great breakthrough season and sealed a move to MLS side Toronto FC.
This season is no different, as many youngsters who have been afforded some playing time have impressed.
FARPost writer Otis Ntshangase looks at top youngsters who have impressed so far in the DStv Premiership as the league has reached its halfway mark.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
The Orlando Pirates starlet has been a key player this season after making his breakthrough towards the end of last season.
Already, the 19-year-old has been on trials with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mofokeng has made 19 matches in all competitions and provided two assists.
“If youngsters like Rele’ make it to play for Pirates, it means he’s coming from one environment and maybe for two seasons where he was really superior, he was showing superiority almost in every game with 16 and 17-year-olds, that is the difficult step,” said Pirates coach Jose Riveiro after Mofokeng impressed him.
SHANDRE CAMPBELL
The 18-year-old has played a big part for the Tshwane side, which is relying more on their academy players. The talented attacker has played 14 matches in all competitions. He has found the back of the net two times and has provided three assists in the process.
SuperSport coach praised the starlet, saying, “He has got great attributes, and he has got goals in him. He was the top goalscorer last season in the DStv Diski Challenge”.
LUKE BAARTMAN
The 17-year-old centre-forward has impressed despite the Cape Town Spurs’ struggles this season in the DStv Premiership. The Cape Town outfit find themselves rooted at the bottom of the log. Baartman has played seven matches and hit the net two times.
His coach, Ernst Middendorp, views Baartman as a player for the future. “You have to be a little bit careful. He is a young guy and definitely a player. You have to look at what you can expect from him.”
SIYABONGA MABENA
The Mamelodi Sundowns attacker has impressed despite only making three appearances this season. The 16-year-old’s best match might be the game against Stellenbosch FC, where he netted his first PSL goal.
Coach Rulani Mokwena says Mabena has the same attributes as the late Gift Leremi.
“What the late Gift Leremi had is what I see in Mabena. His balance, left foot, right foot and the change of direction at speed is very difficult to control. But I think this boy has got so many characteristics that the late Gift had.”
OTHER PLAYERS THAT HAVE IMPRESSED
Other players who have impressed but are aged 22 include AmaZulu goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela. He has played three matches and kept two clean sheets.
Oswin Appollis has impressed for Polokwane City FC, netting five goals coupled with three assists. For his hard work, he earned his first Bafana Bafana call-up in November.
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