Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has thrown his weight behind Relebohile Mofokeng for the Footballer of the Season award after praising both the youngster and the consistency of Orlando Pirates.
Lesufi, who was in Rabat over the weekend for the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR Rabat, said the Soweto giants have distinguished themselves through consistency and stability in selection.
On Saturday, the Buccaneers ended a 14-year league title drought by sealing the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign with a 2-0 win over Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium.
It marked the perfect conclusion to a dream campaign for Pirates, who completed a domestic treble for the third time in the PSL era. The Buccaneers also finished the season with a club-record 21 league victories in a 30-match term, with the final-day win taking their points tally to 69.
PANYAZA LESUFI: ‘THEY’VE BEEN CONSISTENT’
“They worked hard, but let’s be honest, they’ve been a consistent team,” said Lesufi. “I think it’s the only team that we have in the PSL that we can have [name] a starting 11 without even looking at the starting 11. This is how good teams perform.”
Lesufi believes a settled lineup is often a sign of a well-functioning side capable of competing at the highest level throughout a demanding campaign.
“You know, if supporters and all people know the starting 11, it means that the team is consistent,” he continued.
Lesufi reserved special praise for Mofokeng, who has enjoyed a stellar season and established himself as one of the standout young talents in South African football.
“And I’m not really, really ashamed to say, really. Mofokeng player of the year. Players’ player of the season. He has been good, and I wish him well.”
The 21-year-old has become a vital cog for Pirates after breaking into the senior team during Jose Riveiro’s era. This season, he scored 10 goals and provided eight assists, making him Pirates’ top scorer.
The league title means that Bafana Bafana International has won every trophy on the domestic scene. He looks likely to be in the running for the Footballer of the Season award alongside his teammate, Oswin Appollis.
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