With the Betway Premiership on recess to make way for the 2025 AFCON that kicks off on Sunday, FARPost looks at who has been the league’s standout performer in the 2025/26 season so far.
While big names often dominate the headlines, the raw data from Opta Jabu tells a different story. Using the latest performance metrics, we break down the five most influential players in the league so far. Interestingly, the statistics highlight a new wave of stars led by Golden Arrows’ creative engine, Siyanda Ndlovu [formerly Mthanti].
Siyanda Ndlovu [Golden Arrows]
The 22-year-old attacker has transitioned seamlessly into the top-flight, becoming a statistical juggernaut for Abafana Bes’thende. Ndlovu’s creative output is currently unrivalled in South African football.
He leads the league with 33 chances created, making him the only player to surpass the 20-chance mark. His form earned him the September/October Player of the Month award, the first time a Golden Arrows player has ever claimed the honour.
With seven goal involvements, he sits second only to Sede Dion in his squad’s attacking contributions.
Deon Hotto [Orlando Pirates]
The veteran Namibian remains the engine room for the Buccaneers, providing a unique blend of defensive grit and attacking ‘Expected Threat’ [xT]. Hotto ranks second in the league for both big chances created [six] and chances created from open play [18]. He ranks in the league’s top 5 for Expected Threat, averaging 0.31 xT per game through his precise passing and carries. Beyond the flair, he has won 51 duels, the highest for any Orlando Pirates player this season.
Puso Dithejane [TS Galaxy]
The young TS Galaxy sensation has been a revelation, proving to be one of the most proactive and dangerous attackers in the country. Dithejane leads the league in touches in the opposition box [57] and possession won in the final third [12], highlighting his relentless pressing and positioning. He is tied for the league lead in goal involvements [eight] and leads the Premiership in big chances created [seven]. He became the first-ever TS Galaxy player to net a hat-trick in a league match.
Sede Dion Junior [Golden Arrows]
While Ndlovu creates the chances, Sede Dion is the man finishing them. The Ivorian forward has been the most clinical striker in the division. Dion leads the league with seven goals, his personal best return for a single season. His scoring rate is the best the league has seen in years; the last player to have more goals after 14 games was Peter Shalulile [nine] in the 2021/22 season. He is now officially the top-scoring Ivorian in PSL history with 23 goals.
Hendrick Ekstein [AmaZulu FC]
Pule is undergoing a career renaissance at Usuthu. Known for his flair, he has improved his efficiency this season.
With eight goal involvements in just 13 games, Ekstein has already nearly matched his total output from his previous 57 games [8 G/A] prior to this season. He leads AmaZulu in chances created [15] and has created six big chances, the second-most in the entire league. His trickery makes him a marked man; he is currently the most fouled player in the AmaZulu squad [18 times].
RELATED STORY: Former Pirates winger explains why Ndlovu is a ‘natural fit’ for Bucs