Orlando Pirates stole the spotlight at the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards, with rising star Relebohile Mofokeng walking away with two major accolades during Tuesday night’s ceremony celebrating a thrilling domestic season.
The 19-year-old sensation capped off a stellar campaign by being named MTN8 Last Man Standing, thanks to his pivotal role in guiding the Buccaneers to a historic third consecutive MTN8 title. Mofokeng scored twice and provided two assists in just four matches, edging out teammate Deon Hotto and Stellenbosch FC’s Fawaaz Basadien for the honour.
He also clinched the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season award, further cementing his status as one of South African football’s brightest prospects. Mofokeng narrowly missed out on the Players’ Player of the Season and PSL Footballer of the Season awards, both of which went to Mamelodi Sundowns’ Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
Pirates Sweep Major Categories
The Soweto giants dominated across multiple categories, collecting a total of seven awards on the night:
- Sipho Chaine – Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season
- Nkosinathi Sibisi – Defender of the Season
- Makhehleni Makhaula – Midfielder of the Season
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player
- Siphamandla Msezane – DStv Diski Challenge Golden Boot (15 goals)
Chaine and Sibisi were instrumental in Pirates’ defensive solidity, with the team conceding just 20 goals in 28 league matches. Makhaula’s consistency in midfield also proved vital in the club’s strong league and cup performances.
Mbokazi, just 19, impressed in the Nedbank Cup with mature performances in his debut senior season, while Msezane followed in the footsteps of Boitumelo Radiopane by claiming the DDC Golden Boot.
Looking Ahead: MTN8 Title Defence Begins
With the 2025/26 season kicking off this weekend, Orlando Pirates who have been busy in the transfer market will look to continue their dominance as they begin their MTN8 title defence against Polokwane City in the quarter-finals at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
