FEATURE: All-time PSL XI

We select an all-time XI made up of past and present players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL, which began in 1996/97).

GOALKEEPER: ITUMELENG KHUNE

The PSL’s best goalkeeper since the mid-to-late-2000s, Itumeleng Khune is a beacon of consistency and excellence for both Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana. His exceptional shot-stopping and superb distribution made him a goalkeeper ahead of his time and although injuries have disrupted him in recent years, he still has plenty of gas in the tank at age 32.

RIGHT-BACK: NAZEER ALLIE

An unassuming but fiercely competitive player, Nazeer Allie has been a brilliant servant for Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits and Maritzburg United in his PSL career. His sheer consistency and all-round excellence in both defence and attack puts him ahead of other notable competitors for this spot such as Jimmy Tau and Cyril Nzama.

CENTRE-BACK: PATRICK MABEDI

There have been may superb centre-backs and leaders in the history of the PSL, including the likes of Mbulelo Mabizela and Michael Manzini to name but two, yet Patrick Mabedi stands above them with his combination of composure, elegance and resilience. And to top it all off, he was a brilliant penalty taker as well.

CENTRE-BACK: LUCKY LEKGWATHI

A legendary captain and brilliantly versatile defender, Lucky Lekgwathi is an all-time great both for South African club football in general and Orlando Pirates in particular. The Ga-Rankuwa-born player’s career peaked in the early 2010s when he captained the Buccaneers to their famous ‘Double Treble’ - an achievement as yet unmatched in PSL history.

LEFT-BACK: BRETT EVANS

A graduate of Ajax Cape Town’s superb academy, Brett Evans went on to be the club’s all-time appearance leader in a career which spanned 13 years at the Urban Warriors. Also capable of playing in midfield, the Johannesburg-born player had a superb left foot and provided magnificent delivery from crosses and set-pieces, while also being a fine one-one-one defender.

RIGHT MIDFIELD: JABU PULE (MAHLANGU)

Once regarded as one of the ‘bad boys’ of South African football, Jabu Pule is arguably one of the most electrifying players to have emerged during the PSL era and he remains a cult figure amongst football fans of all clubs despite not achieving anything near the accolades his talents deserved. A skilful dribbler, blessed with speed, grace, amazing balance and a keen eye for goal, Pule’s peak was in the early 2000s with Kaizer Chiefs, but he also featured for Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United and Platinum Stars in his top-flight career.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: HLOMPHO KEKANA

Arguably the best central midfielder in the PSL today, Mamelodi Sundowns veteran Hlompho Kekana continues to deliver week in and week out, and he has become the symbol of the Brazilians’ impressive success both domestically and on the continent in recent years. Plus, he has scored some of the most incredible long-range goals the country has ever seen.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: TEKO MODISE

A divisive and sometimes controversial figure, Teko Modise is undeniably one of the most charismatic and gifted footballers in PSL history. Blesses with a sweet right foot and enviable playmaking vision, his range of passing, shooting and crossing could unlock even the most resilient defence, and he enjoyed great success at SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, before finishing off his career with grace and dignity as a ‘senior pro’ at Cape Town City.

LEFT MIDFIELD: DAINE KLATE

The most decorated player in PSL history, Daine Klate won a record 14 major honours (six of them league titles) in a career which saw him represent SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits and Chippa United before he hung up his boots at the end of last season. The wiry left winger possessed vision, skill and a keen eye for goal.

STRIKER: DANIEL MUDAU

The first player to score over 100 league goals in the PSL era, Daniel ‘Mabush’ Mudau helped Mamelodi Sundowns become the dominant team of the mid-to-late 1990s, spearheading a brilliant Brazilians outfit which won three Castle Premiership (as it was known then) titles in a row from 1997-98 to 1999-00. His excellence and longevity put him ahead of players such as Collins Mbesuma and Mabhuti Khenyeza.

STRIKER: SIYABONGA NOMVETHE

As the all-time leading goal scorer in PSL history – with 123 league strikes – Siyabonga Nomvethe is a clear and obvious pick for an all-time XI. A player blessed with speed, intelligence and incredible stamina, his hunger for goals was never satiated and he will go down as a club legend for all of Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu.