Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena was recently voted PSL Footballer of the Season after helping the Brazilians claim a record sixth consecutive DStv Premiership title. However, there were some worthy contenders for the prestigious accolade and we look at three players who shone during the 2022-23 campaign for their respective clubs.
RONWEN WILLIAMS
There were doubts whether Williams would be able to dislodge Denis Onyango in the Mamelodi Sundowns goal after making the switch from Tshwane rivals SuperSport United in the off-season. However, the 31-year-old goalkeeper looked up to the challenge from the get-go and kept Cape Town City at bay in the opening game of the campaign before going on to establish himself as a first-team regular for Rulani Mokwena's title-winning side. Williams ended up setting a new top-flight record after registering 18 clean sheets in 26 appearances to win the Golden Glove for the third time in his career. The Bafana Bafana international also played a key role in the Brazilians' run to the CAF Champions League semifinals but was ultimately overlooked for the PSL Footballer of the Season award, although he did scoop the Goalkeeper of the Season gong.
MONNAPULE SALENG
Saleng can count himself unfortunate to have missed out on the PSL Footballer of the Season accolade after playing a starring role for Orlando Pirates in 2022-23. The 25-year-old winger, who spent last season on loan at Swallows, was left out of the squad completely for the first seven matches of the campaign and only made the bench against TS Galaxy on September 10 but he never looked back after making his debut in the 2-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United. Saleng went on to feature in every league game since then for Jose Riveiro's side and looked equally comfortable on both flanks as he tormented opposition defenders with his fleet footwork and pace. The Buccaneers would likely not have won the MTN 8 or the Nedbank Cup without him, such was Saleng's impact at Mayfair. He scored in both finals against AmaZulu and Sekhukhune, and finished the DStv Premiership season with 11 goals from just 22 games, one behind Golden Boot winning duo Khanyisa Mayo and Peter Shalulile.
KHANYISA MAYO
The son of former Bafana Bafana international Patrick Mayo has seen his value surge after an outstanding season for Cape Town City in the DStv Premiership. The 24-year-old striker showed glimpses of his promise for the Citizens last term after arriving from Bay United but really kicked on in 2022-23, bagging 12 goals in 27 appearances to share the Golden Boot with Mamelodi Sundowns ace Peter Shalulile. Mayo was one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing start to the campaign for Eric Tinkler's side, who failed to win their opening five games, but they would go on to challenge for a top-three finish before clinching fourth place ahead of Kaizer Chiefs, spearheaded by the SuperSport United youth product, thanks to his eight goals in the last nine fixtures. He has been heavily linked with a move to Amakhosi, although City tied him down to a new long-term contract until 2028 last month.