Latest news with #PSLPlayeroftheYear
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates' R14 million outcast finally spotted
Orlando Pirates have let go of several high-profile players this winter. Judging by early season results, will this come back to bite them? Karim Kimvuidi, Mohau Nkota, Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lepasa are all embarking on new challenges. Kimvuidi recently made an appearance on the bench for his new club. 'Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates' DR Congo playmaker Karim Kimvuidi was in FC Ashdod's squad for their 2-0 loss against Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli Cup at the weekend. The 23-year-old struggled to nail downb a regular place in the Pirates side during his three years with the club. After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he was unhappy at the club, Pirates scuppered a massive opportunity to make some money on the player, with a weakened bargaining position. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R48 million) when Mbulelo 'Oldjohn' Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It's unlikely the Sea Robbers would have fetched a number in that region, but there's no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year should be leaving on a free transfer. However, that's the most likely scenario with the player out on loan with Orbit College for the 2025-2026 season. After all, there were substantial rumours of offers from Standard Liege in Belgium and French Ligue giants Monaco. Details: Saleng returns to Orbit College 29-year-old Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain's armband at Pirates in 2025-2026. He was a key figure last season alongside breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence after Thabiso Sesane was struck down with a long-term injury. What happens when Sesane returns will be fascinating, as he might even dislodge the new captain. That's a nice problem for new boss Ouaddao to have, though. Sibisi made 42 appearances last season across all competitions, including 25 in the league. The Sea Robbers have started this season in awful shape, losing to Sekhukhune and Marumo Gallants. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
How Orlando Pirates carelessly set fire to almost R50 million
Orlando Pirates have done some smart business this window, but a ghost continues to haunt the board and the club's balance sheet. Pirates had several opportunities to sell Monnapule Saleng while his stock was high. Now, they'll likely lose the player on a free transfer. What went wrong? Details: Saleng returns to Orbit College After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he was unhappy at the club, Pirates scuppered a massive opportunity to make some money on the player, with a weakened bargaining position. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R48 million) when Mbulelo 'Oldjohn' Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It's unlikely the Sea Robbers would have fetched a number in that region, but there's no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year should be leaving on a free transfer. However, that's the most likely scenario with the player out on loan with Orbit College for the 2025-2026 season. After all, there were substantial rumours of offers from Standard Liege in Belgium and French Ligue giants Monaco. 'Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates' Will the Chiefs slayer come back to haunt Pirates while on loan with Orbit? Image: @orlandopirates / X 29-year-old Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain's armband at Pirates in 2025-2026. He was a key figure last season alongside breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence after Thabiso Sesane was struck down with a long-term injury. What happens when Sesane returns will be fascinating, as he might even dislodge the new captain. That's a nice problem for new boss Ouaddao to have, though. Sibisi made 42 appearances last season across all competitions, including 25 in the league. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
08-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Is Saleng allowed to play against Orlando Pirates for Orbit College?
Monnapule Saleng will wear the colours of his former club Orbit College this season after a much-publicised fallout with Orlando Pirates. 27-year-old Saleng will be eager to get some playing time under his belt after a wretched 2025. The 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year hasn't played a competitive match this calendar year at club level. Details: Saleng returns to Orbit College Orlando Pirates have loaned three players out to PSL newcomers Orbit College. None of them will be eligible for the two Betway Premiership meetings with the Sea Robbers in 2025-2026 'He won't be able to play, 'Orbit head coach Pogiso Makhoye confirmed on 947's MSW . 'Him, [Thuso] Moleleki and [Yanga] Madiba, so it's not only Saleng.' Orlando Pirates v Sekhukhune: Date, kickoff time in season opener After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he was unhappy at the club, Pirates scuppered a massive opportunity to make some money on the player, with a weakened bargaining position. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R48 million) when Mbulelo 'Oldjohn' Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It's unlikely the Sea Robbers would have fetched a number in that region, but there's no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year should be leaving on a free transfer. However, that's the most likely scenario with the player out on loan with Orbit College for the 2025-2026 season. After all, there were substantial rumours of offers from Standard Liege in Belgium and French Ligue giants Monaco. Nkota speaking Afrikaans to his new teammate in Saudi Arabia? 'Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates' Will Salen thrive on loan with Orbit? Image: @orlandopirates / X Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Beyond the final whistle: Five contenders for the PSL Player of the Year award
Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Beneath the bright lights and the roar of crowds lies a journey often unseen – a path carved by toil, grit and endless sacrifice. While the beauty of the game may dazzle those who watch from afar, it is the unseen struggle of the players, week in and week out, that truly breathes life into the spectacle. Each stride, each challenge faced, is a testament to their devotion – and when the season winds down, it brings a quiet joy to see those who have given their all finally bask in recognition. This past Premiership season was painted with unforgettable moments – flashes of brilliance, unexpected twists, and stories that unfolded both within and beyond the four white lines. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ And though the award may only crown one, we pause to honour those who stood tall throughout the storm – players whose performances demanded applause, and whose names now rightfully enter the conversation for the PSL Player of the Year... Lucas Ribeiro Costa Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The Brazilian playmaker was central to Mamelodi Sundowns' historic 18th league title, guiding the side to their eighth consecutive crown with elegance and purpose. At 26, Ribeiro Costa made his presence felt not just with numbers – 16 goals and nine assists – but through leadership in the final third. He consistently dictated play, linking up fluently with teammates, while showing sharp instincts and game intelligence. Remarkably, he did so while staying clear of suspensions and injuries, underscoring his consistency and discipline. It was a season that placed him firmly among the best in the land. Relebohile Mofokeng Relebohile Mofokeng has been urged to move abroad in order to continue growing as a footballer. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix A rising star whose name is already etched in the hearts of Orlando Pirates fans, Mofokeng lit up the season with flair and fearlessness. His creativity, dribbling and composure under pressure made him a nightmare for defenders and a joy for spectators. Mofokeng played a pivotal role in pushing Pirates to a second-place finish, and was influential in many key moments. His meteoric rise has already sparked comparisons to some of South Africa's greats, and his inclusion among the top performers this season is richly deserved. Devin Titus Stellenbosch FC star Devin Titus (left). Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Often working away from the spotlight, Titus delivered yet another season of consistent excellence for Stellenbosch FC. The 24-year-old winger featured in every league game, providing eight goals and five assists in a campaign that saw Stellies continue to overachieve. Despite the club's modest resources, Titus' work ethic and attacking output were crucial as they secured another impressive finish. His growth and maturity reflect a player who leads by example, and his reliability cannot be overstated. Iqraam Rayners MAMELODI Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners continues to add his name to the history of the club. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Rayners proved once again why he's one of the PSL's most reliable goal-getters. The striker finished with 14 goals – second only in the Golden Boot race to Ribeiro Costa (16) – while also supplying nine assists, showcasing the growth to his game. His transition to Sundowns after joining at the start of the season was seamless, and his all-round contribution in the final third made him a constant threat. With both finishing and playmaking in his locker, Rayners is a strong candidate for top honours. Keletso Makgalwa Keletso Makgalwa of Sekhukhune United (right) is challenged by Hendrick Ekstein of AmaZulu. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
The South African
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Why is nobody talking about Monnapule Saleng?
It's strange to see spectacular footballers fall into relative obscurity. That's what's happened to Monnapule Saleng at Orlando Pirates. Did we perhaps overrate the occasionally brilliant winger because he can win matches on his own? 27-year-old Saleng now faces the prospect of wasting away in the reserves without any prospects of moving to secure first-team football. After not featuring for the Orlando Pirates first team since December 2024, speculation was rife that 27-year-old wide attacker Monnapule Saleng had admirers across the continent and even some in Europe. However, all of that chatter has died down. That's not a great sign for the player or Pirates, who'd ideally like to get a big fee for him. What is Saleng earning at Pirates? Saleng produced a dazzling output of 15 goals and 11 assists from 30 appearances across all competitions in 2022-2023 to be crowned PSL Player of the Year. 2023-2024 didn't reach those heights, but class, as they say, is permanent. He was easily the best player in South Africa, by a mile. In October 2022, he bagged a match-winning brace in a 3-0 win against Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final and then grabbed the only goal in the final to vanquish AmaZulu. There's no doubt that Saleng loves big games. Can he rekindle this form and rise from the ashes like a phoenix, or has that ship sailed? Orlando Pirates XI next season with two brand new signings What do you think is the best next move for the player? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
