Siphesihle Ndlovu’s picks: Who will be crowned Young Player of the Season?
Former Young Player of the Season and SuperSport United star Siphesihle Ndlovu has revealed his picks for the hotly contested 2023/24 DStv Premiership award.
The SA top-flight has a knack for unearthing hidden gems. Each season, a new wave of young stars emerges, defying expectations.
Ndlovu stole the spotlight in the 2017/18 season, becoming a breakout star by winning the DStv Young Player of the Season when he played for KZN side Maritzburg United. In that campaign, he played 27 matches, scored five goals, and provided four assists.
Last season, it was Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns starlet Cassius Mailula who won the accolade following consistent great displays. The talented attacker was a nightmare for goalkeepers and defenders. All-in-all, he scored nine goals and had three assists to his name in 22 matches.
In addition, for the great run in form, Mailula received his first Bafana Bafana call-up and secured a move to MLS with Toronto FC.
SIPHESIHLE NDLOVU Names His Young Player of the Season Frontrunners
Ndlovu has named his Matsatsantsa teammate Shandre Campbell, Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, and Stellenbosch FC’s Devin Titus as the frontrunners for the Young of the Season award.
The three players have been outstanding for their respective sides in the Dstv Premiership. Campbell has been important for SuperSport’s attack. The SA Under-20 star has scored five goals and provided five assists in 27 matches in all competitions.
Mofokeng has impressed at Pirates, becoming a regular player in the starting line-up. The speedy winger has netted four goals and provided six assists in 32 games across all competitions.
Titus has always displayed consistent performances for the Stellies. The 23-year-old has found the back of the net 12 times and grabbed three assists in 33 matches. He also helped the Cape Winelands side win the Carling Knockout Cup earlier this season.
“Yes, I won the [Young Players of the Season] award when I was at Maritzburg United,” Ndlovu told FARPost. “I think this season there have been some youngsters that have impressed so much.
“An obvious one is Shandre Campbell in my team. I believe he has done very well this season, and he’s gaining some experience game-by-game.
“Also, there is [Relebohile] Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates and [Devin] Titus of Stellenbosch FC. For me, those are the top three [youngsters] that have done well for their clubs this season. They deserve to win the award.
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