It often takes a special talent to make an impression in South Africa’s elite league as a teenager, but this season has proven a breakthrough campaign for several starlets at top-flight clubs.
Betway Premiership is home to some brilliant prospects right now with the teenagers embracing the fearlessness of youth and making their mark.
A string of youthful talent [Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates), Kutlwano Letlhaku, Malibongwe Khoza, Asekho Tiwani (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mfundo Vilakazi (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Mahlangu, Donay Jansen (SuperSport United), Langelihle Phili (Stellenbosch FC), Gabriel Amato and Jody Ah Shene (Cape Town City)] has caught the eye since the season started and could be set for increased roles as the campaign proceeds.
A star showing from tonight's #BetwayPrem Man of the Match! 🏆
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) November 6, 2024
Well played, Kutlwano! #Sundowns #RabatsenaGape pic.twitter.com/9b1RtRmilQ
Unique circumstances have allowed the players who played in the DStv Diski Challenge last season to force their way into the senior squad.
Many have grasped this chance with both hands, and we could see many more of them throughout the season.
KUTLWANO LETLHAKU – MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Sundowns boast arguably the most talented squad in the PSL right now, which makes Letlhaku's emergence even more impressive.
The Soweto-born stepped into the Downs side with ease, appearing at home on Wednesday night scoring a brace to hand Sundowns a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in a league match.
Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi urged the youngsters (Malibongwe Khoza who also had a great game, Siya Mabena and Ntando Nkosi) to remain grounded and not rest on their laurels as there’s still a lot of work that they need to do.
“It is important to instil elements of humility within the group because when people think they are special to a point of not respecting the rest of the group, it will be bad for their development,” as per TimesLive.
“Fortunately, Letlhaku and most of the youngsters we have like Thapelo Maseko, Siyabonga Mabena, Malibongwe Khoza and Ntando Nkosi are well-behaved.
“I think these boys are grasping those values and it will help them.”
MOHAU NKOTA – ORLANDO PIRATES
Just days after Mofokeng turned 20 years of age, Nkota (19) stepped up, we have a new teen at Orlando Pirates.
On his start, Nkota announced his arrival in a spectacular fashion scoring a brace in Pirates 2-1 win over AmaZulu FC at Orlando Stadium a fourth night ago.
☠️ 🤴🏾 Man of the Match | Mohau Nkota @orlandopirates 2 v 1 @AmaZuluFootball
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 25, 2024
🥅 Nkota 30'& 36'
⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay #OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/jVyWp0bvvN
The exciting Kimberley-born player has proven to be a game-changer for the Buccanners, often impacting games with his fantastic runs, brilliant first touches and explosivity in the final third. More is expected from him as the season continues.
LANGELIHLE PHILI – STELLENBOSCH FC
Stellies have been a production line for talent in recent seasons, with Devin Titus, Antonio Van Wyk, Jayden Adams, Olwethu Makhanya and Iqraam Rayners among the names to have come through the club’s ranks.
Phili has been given a chance to impress this season and the teenager has shown encouraging signs in recent games. Without a doubt, with the right attitude he is bound to be named among the top performers in the league come the end of the season.
MFUNDO VILAKAZI – KAIZER CHIEFS
Obrigado, as he is known in football circles, has become a fans’ favourite at Chiefs this season despite the club's fluctuating results. Last season he made cameo appearances towards the end of the campaign however, the Chiefs' new coach Nasreddine Nabi has shown confidence in the youngster. And he has also paid the coaches faith in his with solid performances thus far. Vilakazi scored his first senior team goal in September when Chiefs came from a goal down to beat Marumo Gallants 2-1 in Bloemfontein.
90 + 5’| #MFC 2 : 2 #CHI
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 30, 2024
Fulltime score: (Makhubo 6’, Chirambadare 72’) Magesi FC 2 : 2 Kaizer Chiefs (Shabalala 77’ 78’)
Man of the Match: Mduduzi Shabalala#Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/AnPMHQJeRA
*As the Diski Challenge celebrates 10 Years since it was established, over 350 players have transitioned from Diski to the professional level #Asidlali #SisazoPhaka