Former Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has identified a player he believes in currently above the rest in South African football this season.
The 2025/26 season is approaching its halfway stage, and a number of players have been enjoying some outstanding form. While the term is still far from settled, the debate over the best player has already begun.
From the Golden Boot race to the best goalkeeper, several names have been thrown around. Tashreeq Matthews, Keletso Makgalwa, Siyanda Ndlovu and Puso Dithejane each have four assists in the Betway Premiership so far this season, although they are not all in the Bafana Bafana setup.
Golden Arrows striker Junior Dion finds himself as the leading goal-scorer, having found the back of the net seven times, as Iqraam Rayners and Bradley Grobler have six goals apiece.
Outside the PSL, Thembinkosi Lorch is arguably the most outstanding South African player. The former Buccaneers attacking midfielder has been on fire for Wydad Casablanca, sparking debate following his omission from the Bafana squad. He has scored five goals and provided three assists in nine games across competitions.
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However, Maela has settled for Oswin Appollis as the player he is convinced is South Africa’s outstanding man and also mentions goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
“Right now, at the moment, I would say Appollis. I think Appollis’ output is better than anyone else’s. I’ll definitely choose Appollis. Who else? I think Sipho Chaine also, you know, he is really doing well,” Maela said on the Pirates Podcast.
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has kept seven clean sheets, while Chaine, Ronwen Williams and Darren Keet have not conceded goals in six league matches each.
Maela has also joined the raging debate about Lorch’s exclusion from the national team. The ex-Sundowns attacker is not part of the current national team camp for Saturday’s international friendly match against Zambia.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has made it clear that Lorch does not fit into his plans, offering little hope of taking the player to the 2025 AFCON finals.
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“I worked with coach Hugo Broos. I know how he does things, I know how he prefers dealing with these things. If it were me personally, I would want the best players in our country, obviously representing us, but it’s not up to me,” added Maela.
“Hopefully, he goes; we don’t know. Does he deserve it? Maybe that’s the question. Absolutely yes. Will the coach pick him? We don’t know. Regardless of what happens, we still continue supporting the team.”
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