Latest news with #Players'PlayeroftheSeason
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates at risk of Saleng regret amid Mofokeng links
It's been an extraordinary offseason for Orlando Pirates, who, after failing to sign a single player in January, have landed over eleven solidified stars, including Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi. An array of arrivals often correlates to a number of exits, which has been the case for the Buccaneers. Mohau Nkota is arguably the biggest surprise to have left the Sowetan nest, while Monnapule Saleng seemed set to depart. However, not many (if any) would have had their money on a move to Orbit College, albeit a loan move. 'First of all, I would like to thank God, the Man Above, for being here at Orbit, for being back home,' Saleng said in his first press-conference since news broke of his Orlando Pirates exit. 'I am very happy to be back home, and I thank God for giving me strength and aligning me with a return to Orbit. Going back to Orbit after a great campaign they had, and I loved that they gained promotion and that I could come back home.' 'Because being home is something that brings happiness. You can never lose home. No matter what, no matter where you go, you can't lose home. So, to be back here is something that I am happy about.' Orlando Pirates could come to regret the way they neglected Saleng, who hasn't featured in the PSL since late November last year. With a renewed fire of proving the doubters wrong, the 27-year-old has the chance to remind the league why he was 2023's Players' Player of the Season. There seems to be growing uncertainty regarding Relebohile Mofokeng, who has several giants vying for his services, such as PSV, who are reportedly prepared to table an offer in the region of R100 million. 'R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that! The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million,' an inside source revealed. 'You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million, but it's believed to be more than that.' Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
OPINION: Why was Rayners snubbed for top PSL Awards?
Has Rayners' impact this season been undervalued? His numbers speak volumes. Ronwen Williams and Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates with the trophy after a Betway Premiership 2024/25 match against Magesi FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 18 May 2025 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix I've made it clear before who I believe should be named the 2024–25 PSL Footballer of the Season. For me, it was always going to be a tight race between Mamelodi Sundowns duo Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners. Rayners' omission is startling That's why I was genuinely taken aback when Rayners' name was missing from both the Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season shortlists. ALSO READ: Pirates' Mofokeng gets five nominations for PSL Awards These two awards are decided by head coaches and fellow professionals in the Betway Premiership who are not permitted to vote for players from their own clubs. I'm not here to take anything away from the three players who were nominated. I want to congratulate Ribeiro, Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, and the rejuvenated Keletso Makgalwa of Sekhukhune United. But the omission of Rayners is a big talking point. When the nominees were revealed on Tuesday, it reignited a conversation that many had already been having. Has Rayners' impact this season been undervalued? His numbers speak volumes. 14 league goals in a 28-game campaign is an exceptional return. Add to that four goals in the Carling Knockout Cup, including a brace against Kaizer Chiefs, and nine league assists, and you're looking at a total of 27 direct goal contributions across domestic competitions. That kind of output should, at the very least, earn a nomination. Rayners finished just two goals behind Ribeiro in the Golden Boot race. So how is it possible that he was completely overlooked? Unless other players had significantly better stats, which they didn't, it's difficult to justify his exclusion. No strong case I'm reluctant to scrutinise the stats of the players who were nominated ahead of him. It wouldn't be fair as they didn't vote for themselves. However, from a purely footballing perspective, there's no strong case for Rayners being left out. ALSO READ: Williams questions Nkota's Pirates to Saudi switch Credit must go to the selected trio, and I wish them all the best ahead of the awards ceremony on July 29. And it would be nothing short of a scandal if Ribeiro doesn't walk away with the Footballer of the Season award.
The South African
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PSL Awards: All the nominees for the 2024-25 season!
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has announced ALL the nominees for the 2024-25 season. The league also confirmed that the winners in each category which mostly consists of three each will be announced on Tuesday, 29 July. Now, as expected, there are familiar faces across all the categories as per the wishes of the majority of football fans. Players such as Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng have made the cut. Interestingly, the two above-mentioned players are the only two nominees for the Players' Player of the Season award. Ribeiro, nonetheless, is guaranteed of at least one accolade; the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award. The Brazilian attacker finished the campaign as the league's top goalscorer with 16 goals to his name. Furthermore, the top three coaches – Miguel Cardoso, Jose Riveiro and Steve Barker – have been nominated for the Coach of the Season award. The PSL season for 2024-25 is over. Photo: Gallo Images Footballer of the Season Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns) Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) Keletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune United) Betway Premiership Players' Player of the Season Lucas Ribeiro (Mamelodi Sundowns) Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) Betway Premiership Coach of the Season Steve Barker (Stellenbosch FC) Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns) Jose Riveiro (Orlando Pirates) Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season (under 21) Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns) Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates) Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season Marcelo Allende (Mamelodi Sundowns) Makhehleni Makhaula (Orlando Pirates) Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) Betway Premiership Defender of the Season Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns) Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC) Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates) Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates) Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC) Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) Betway Premiership Goal of the Season Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch) Lucas Ribeiro (Mamelodi Sundowns) Glody Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs) Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament Inacio Miguel (Kaizer Chiefs) Pule Mmodi (Kaizer Chiefs) Gaston Sirino (Kaizer Chiefs) Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates) Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates) Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC) Edmore Chirambadare (Magesi FC) Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns) MTN8 Last Man Standing Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch) Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates) Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) Motsepe Foundation Championship Players' Player of the Season Banele Hlope (JDR Stars) Joslin Kamatuka (Durban City) Muzomuhle Khanyi (Hungry Lions) Motsepe Foundation Championship Goalkeeper of the Season Emile Lako (Casric Stars) Sekhoane Moerane (Orbit College) Dumisane Msibi (Durban City) Motsepe Foundation Championship Young Player of the Season (under 19) Luke Baartman (CT Spurs) Teboho Lekhatla (Casric Stars) Siphamandla Mhlongo (Milford) DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season Gomolemo Kekana (Sundowns) Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi (Kaizer Chiefs) Tylon Smith (Stellenbosch) PSL Assistant Referee of the Season Kgara Mokoena Romario Phiri Khamusi Razwimisan PSL Referee of the Season Luxolo Badi Masixole Bambiso Olani Kwinda Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Edinburgh Reporter
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Jordan Obita signs contract extension at Hibs
Jordan Obita has signed a new contract that extends his time at Hibs until the summer of 2027. In his first season at Hibs, Obita's eye-catching displays saw him win two awards; the 2023/24 Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season. Since joining in 2023, the left-back has made 87 appearances to date, alongside chipping in with seven assists and two goals. One of those strikes was a memorable one as he bagged in Hibs UEFA Europa Conference League win against Luzern at Easter Road in August 2023. His performances for Hibs also earned him an international call-up to Uganda. On Obita's new deal, Hibs Head Coach David Gray said: 'I'm really pleased we've been able to extend Jordan's stay with us. He's an important part of the squad and has shown real consistency since joining us a couple of years ago. 'Jordan adds flexibility to the backline being able to play at left-wing back and on the left-side of the back three and has attributes that help us defensively and going forward. We look forward to continuing working with him.' Hibs Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: 'We're constantly planning for the future and extending Jordan's contract at this club for a further year is a really positive step. 'Not only has Jordan showed his ability during his time with us, but he also leads by example at HTC and on the pitch every single day. He is a fantastic role model for our younger players and has helped a lot of them settle into the group when coming up from the Academy. 'Jordan has a young family and is really enjoying his time with us, so we're all delighted he will continue his stay with us.' Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs boss David Gray thrilled as 'important' Jordan Obita tied down on new deal
The former Reading, Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers was praised for the versatility he brings to the Easter Road side. Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hibs head coach David Gray was delighted that the club were able to secure a new contract for Jordan Obita, describing the former Reading player as an 'important part' of his squad. The 31-year old was in the final season of his deal at Easter Road, having been a club since 2023, and has put pen to paper on a two year extension which will keep him in the capital until the summer of 2027. It is another important piece of business for the club as they prepare for the new domestic season and their European campaign which begins next week with the first leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie against FC Midtjylland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The defender, who in his first season with Hibs in 2023/24 was named Hibs' Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, brings essential versatility to the squad especially if they progress to league phase European football. Those qualities were praised by David Gray upon the announcement of the twice capped Uganda international's new deal. The Hibs gaffer said: 'I'm really pleased we've been able to extend Jordan's stay with us. He's an important part of the squad and has shown real consistency since joining us a couple of years ago. 'Jordan adds flexibility to the backline being able to play at left-wing back and on the left-side of the back three and has attributes that help us defensively and going forward. We look forward to continuing working with him.' Hibs 'planning for the future' as Obita lands new two year contract Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: 'We're constantly planning for the future and extending Jordan's contract at this club for a further year is a really positive step. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Not only has Jordan showed his ability during his time with us, but he also leads by example at HTC and on the pitch every single day. He is a fantastic role model for our younger players and has helped a lot of them settle into the group when coming up from the Academy. 'Jordan has a young family and is really enjoying his time with us, so we're all delighted he will continue his stay with us.' Since joining Hibs 2023, Obita has made 87 first team appearances and contributed seven assists and two goals. One of those strikes was a memorable one as he bagged in the UEFA Europa Conference League win against Luzern at Easter Road in August 2023. Obita's contract extension means that Hibs now have five first team players who are currently set to be out of contract by this time next summer. Élie Youan, Lewis Miller, Martin Boyle, Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett are all now in the final year of their existing Hibs' contracts.
