Unlike in previous seasons, when Betway Premiership teams were hesitant to give young players a chance to showcase their talents—fearing they might struggle at the top level—this year has seen teams embrace the risk, throwing youngsters into the deep end.
Many promising players who excelled in the DStv Diski Challenge—the country's reserve league were promoted by their respective clubs. Some have struggled to adjust to the standard of competition in the top tier.
However, some have flourished, securing spots in their team's starting lineups and even earning national team call-ups, thanks to their outstanding performances.
This significant shift in mindset by PSL teams has been warmly welcomed by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who, upon arriving in South Africa in 2021, immediately raised concerns about the lack of talented young players in the country.
“When I saw the line-ups of the PSL clubs at that time, it was all players around the age of 26 and 28 and older. And if you talked about a young player at that time, people came to me with names of players aged 26 and 27.
"So, I think I started something with the national team and proved that also young players can be very good and can achieve results, and I think that in the clubs, they are following a little bit my example when you see now," the Belgian coach said.
As the curtain falls on the year 2024, IOL Sport's Mthobisi Nozulela takes a closer look at the five young players, who have taken their chances in the PSL this year.
Mohau Nkota
From the DDC all the way to the big stage 🤩
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 25, 2024
Mohau Nkota's first league goal is a beaut 😲🔥
📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc @Betway_za pic.twitter.com/QQNPlqMRYW
The 20-year-old Orlando Pirates sensation was promoted to the first by head coach Jose Riveiro this season, after impressing in the reserve league.
In his first game in the PSL against Richards Bay, he did not look out of place and quickly caught the eye of many Pirates fans who marvelled at his incredible talent.
Since that debut, he has grown from strength to strength. He has scored a total of four goals in nine appearances across all competitions for the Soweto giant this season and is expected to continue to impress as the season unfolds.
After grabbing his first start & first goal for Masandawana, Malibongwe Khoza gave us an insight into yesterday's dominant #TotalEnergiesCAFCL victory 💪#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/7wTZ7Tl4yj
Malibongwe Khoza
The 20-year-old defender was promoted from Sundown's reserve team and has impressed since making his debut against Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions, where he scored a beautiful headed goal.
His outstanding performances have garnered him huge praise from coach Mangqoba Mngqithi, who has tipped him to break into the Bafana Bafana squad. He has played eight times for the Brazilians across all competitions, scoring one goal.
Mfundo Vilakazi
The 19-year-old sensation was officially promoted to the first team by Amakhosi at the beginning of the year. He is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players in the league.
The young Vilkazi has scored one goal and provided one assist for Amakhosi this season and is expected to play a starring role for the Phefeni Glamour Boys this season as they aim to change their fortunes around after a difficult couple of seasons.
Relebohile Mofokeng
The 20-year-old Mofokeng, who was promoted to the first team last season, has quickly established himself as one of the best players in the country.
His standout performances for Orlando Pirates earned him a call-up to the national team by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Mofokeng is also the reigning Young Player of the Year, an accolade he secured for his stellar contributions last season.
Ime Okon
The 20-year-old SuperSport United defender has been a revelation for Matsatsantsa a Pitori since his promotion to the first team last season. His standout performances in his debut season earned him a call-up to the national team by coach Hugo Broos. This season, he has continued to impress, making seven appearances for SuperSport across all competitions.
IOL Sport