South African clubs are not renowned of their faith in youngsters and last season there were only 25 teenagers who played in the Betway Premiership.
It is unlikely to be much different this season but that does not mean there will not be exciting young talent to watch when the new campaign gets underway on Saturday.
These are SuperSport.com’s pick of five young players who are likely to make the biggest impression in the 2025-26 season
Ntonelo Bomelo: Richards Bay have a promising teenage striker, full of running and the necessary aggression to make an impact this season. He is not going to get too many clear-cut chances as his side play counter attacking football but will still prove a handful for opposing defenders.
Kutlwako Lethlaku: Three goals last October and November marked a successful start to the teenage striker’s career at Mamelodi Sundowns but the arrival of new coach Miguel Cardoso saw him drop out of contention. But he was used again at the Club World Cup off the bench and looks like he is going to be a regular impact player for the champions this coming season.
Siyabonga Mabena: Returning from serious injury, the 18-year-old scored off a deflected shot for Sundowns in last Sunday’s MTN8 quarterfinal at home to Richards Bay to crown his recovery … and set off frenzied celebrations from his teammates and coach Cardoso, who ran years to join in. It was a sign of the esteem which he commands at the club and the delight in his resurgence.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi: The 19-year-old Orlando Pirates centre back made his debut in early March and has not missed a game since, playing 19 games in a row since. Now that he is firmly established as a regular at the back for the Buccaneers, he is eyeing a spot in the Bafana Bafana team.
Siyanda Mthanthi: The right wing will begin his third season at Lamontville Golden Arrows and at 21-years of age is now set to take a step up and become much more of a force for the coastal club. He is full of trickery and innovation, and his pace also allows him to be an exciting attacking option.