The 2025-26 Premier Soccer League season has produced a host of outstanding performances, with several players rising above the rest, writes Dylan Appolis.

RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG (ORLANDO PIRATES)

Mofokeng has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in the Betway Premiership. The 21-year-old Orlando Pirates attacker found top form after a slow start to the season and has become a key figure in the side’s title challenge. Blessed with explosive pace, excellent close control and a willingness to take on defenders, Mofokeng regularly creates problems in the final third. He has also developed a knack for scoring important goals, adding end product to his flair. Despite his young age, his maturity and influence on matches have marked him out as one of the standout performers in the league this season.

OSWIN APPOLLIS (ORLANDO PIRATES)

Appollis has been among the best performers during the 2025–26 campaign. The Cape Town-born winger made an immediate impact in his first season at Orlando Pirates, providing creativity, pace and a consistent attacking threat. Equally comfortable scoring or setting up goals, Appollis has been central to Pirates’ attacking play. His ability to beat defenders and deliver decisive contributions in the final third has made him one of the most influential players in the league this season.

TASHREEQ MATTHEWS (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS)

Matthews has become an important part of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad since joining the club from Swedish side IK Sirius in 2024. The 25-year-old attacker has brought pace, technical ability and directness to Sundowns’ forward line, contributing with goals and assists during the campaign. His work rate and willingness to take on defenders have added another dimension to the defending champions’ attack.

SAZISO MAGAWANA (DURBAN CITY)

Magawana has been a central figure in Durban City’s attacking play this season. The 27-year-old has consistently troubled defenders with his pace, dribbling and creativity in the final third. Whether scoring or setting up teammates, Magawana has played a major role in Durban City’s attacking output during the campaign.

LANGELIHLE PHILI (STELLENBOSCH FC)

Phili enjoyed his breakthrough in the 2024–25 campaign after being promoted to the Stellenbosch first team, and he has built on that progress this season. The 21-year-old forward has continued to develop under coach Gavin Hunt, delivering important goals while showcasing his pace, intelligent movement and sharp finishing. Now a regular in the Maroons’ attack, Phili has established himself as one of the club’s key young talents and one of the league’s rising stars.

SEDE DION (LAMONTVILLE GOLDEN ARROWS)

Dion has proven one of the most clinical forwards in the since joining Lamontville Golden Arrows from AmaZulu. The Ivorian striker has impressed with his movement inside the penalty area and his ability to convert chances. His earlyseason scoring run saw him among the league’s top scorers, and he has remained a key attacking outlet for Arrows throughout the campaign.

FLAVIO SILVA (KAIZER CHIEFS)

Dion has proven one of the most clinical forwards in the since joining Lamontville Golden Arrows from AmaZulu. The Ivorian striker has impressed with his movement inside the penalty area and his ability to convert chances. His earlyseason scoring run saw him among the league’s top scorers, and he has remained a key attacking outlet for Arrows throughout the campaign. Dion was the first player in the 2025-26 season to reach double figures for goals when he netted his 10th against Mamelodi Sundowns. Silva has adapted quickly to life at Kaizer Chiefs following his move from Indonesian club Persebaya Surabaya ahead of the season. The Guinea-Bissau striker has established himself as the focal point of AmaKhosi’s attack, using his physical presence to hold up play while combining intelligent movement with clinical f inishing in the box. His ability to score key goals has made him one of the most reliable strikers in the league this campaign.