New Betway Premiership season – 10 players to watch

The Betway Premiership will kick off on Saturday and promises a bevy of brilliant action, spills and thrills, success and heartbreak.

It is also likely to see the emergence of new talent, plus confirmation of the ability of already established players.

These are SuperSport.com’s picks of the 10 players to keep an eye out for in the new campaign:

OSWIN APPOLLIS

Surrounded by a better quality of teammates, the move from Polokwane City to Orlando Pirates could bring out the best in the speedy flyer. He made an immediate impact and was man of the match last weekend as Pirates won their MTN8 quarterfinal at home to his old club.

BRADLEY GROBLER

The 37-year-old has already made an immediate impact at Sekhukhune United and is now on 119 career goals. That puts him 10 behind Siyabonga Nomvete’s PSL era record of 129 and sets up an intriguing chase.

ZUKO MDUNYELWA

In anticipation of the possible departure of Khuliso Mudau from champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the right-back role is up for grabs, and the 26-year-old from Cape Town looks capable of putting up his hand and making himself a regular in the champions’ starting line-up after two seasons of waiting in the wings.

DANIEL MSENDAMI

The Zimbabwe international had an impressive first season with Marumo Gallants and will be the key attacker for the Bloemfontein-based club this season. His play down the right wing makes him a really dangerous asset.

LEBOHANG NKAKI

The Polokwane City centre back finished the last league season ever present for a remarkable second campaign in a row, playing every minute of every game in the 2024-25 Betway Premiership. He was a major contributor to Polokwane finishing in the top eight for a second successive season and is set to again impress with his consistency.

THABO NODADA

The last two seasons at ailing Cape Town City were a frustrating time for Nodada as he failed to find form after a long-term knee injury. But a change of scenery could be the tonic for a revival in his fortunes as his competitiveness and enthusiasm could prove infectious at new employers, Durban City.

BANDILE SHANDU

Back from injury, the right back looks to be itching to remind us of his qualities. He can score goals, as his career tally of 16 attests, and, still only 30, he has a wealth of experience to contribute to the Orlando Pirates' cause.

NKANYISO SHINGA

The new Kaizer Chiefs acquisition is an attacking left back who can add to the club’s options. The 25-year-old played in the top flight in Portugal at Estrela Amadora two seasons ago and in the last campaign was in the second division with Alverca.

DEVON TITUS

Stellenbosch’s speedy winger is now the key player for his team after the departure in recent years of Ashley du Preez, Jayden Adams and more recently Fawaaz Basadien. It is likely a last season at the Winelands club for Titus before he also moves on to greener pastures.

THEMBA ZWANE

After he missed most of the last season with a serious knee injury, this is the opportunity for a swansong season for the 36-year-old Sundowns captain. He will not be able to play as much as the supporters might like, but could prove decisive in the many key clashes that the Brazilians are likely to play this season.