What made the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season exceptionally thrilling was the unprecedented rise of young players.
Across various clubs, particularly at Orlando Pirates, burgeoning talents were discovered, seamlessly integrated into the first team, and quickly gained recognition, even attracting the attention of the national team.
- Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates)
Making his club debut this season, this promising 20-year-old from Kimberley has rapidly ascended through the ranks at Orlando Pirates. While a consistent presence in the Betway Premiership, his compelling performances in the CAF Champions Leaguetruly put him in the spotlight.
Such impressive displays have led to his inclusion in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad for the international friendlies in June. Statistically, Nkota's impact is clear: he netted seven goals and provided five assists in 38 matches across all competitions.
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates)
The 19-year-old Mbokazi burst onto the senior scene for the club on March 5, making his debut against Chippa United in a league match. His consistently solid performances quickly earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup across all competitions.
Much like his teammate Nkota, Mbokazi's impressive displays have secured him a place in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad, with the final team announcement expected this Thursday. Mbokazi made 18 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
- Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Khoza was a relatively unknown name before the current season, but his emergence is largely credited to Manqoba Mngqithi's belief in his potential. This trust saw Khoza become a regular feature for Sundowns in the early stages of the season.
While he may not play as consistently as some youngsters at Pirates due to the sheer depth of quality at Sundowns, the 21-year-old center-back has proven to be incredibly solid whenever given the opportunity, making 30 appearances and scoring one goal in the process.
- Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy)
The former Kaizer Chiefs youth player enjoyed an incredibly impressive debut campaign at TS Galaxy, forming a remarkably solid defensive partnership with Macbeth Mahlangu.
This season marked his first foray into top-flight football, having only joined the club in July. The Durban-born centre-back has also earned a place in the Bafana Bafana preliminary squad, eagerly awaiting the final team selection later this week. Ndamane concluded his stellar season with 27 appearances across all competitions.
- Langelihle Phili (Stellenbosch FC)
If any team is currently excelling in integrating youngsters into their first team, it's undoubtedly Stellenbosch FC. Phili is another testament to this success, with his name growing increasingly familiar across the league after an impressive debut campaign in top-flight football.
A notable achievement for him includes being part of the Amajita (Under 20) squad that clinched the U20 AFCON title in Egypt. Phili made a significant impact this season, accumulating 32 appearances, scoring two goals, and registering one assist.
