Pirates duo Mofokeng & Appollis snubbed! Sundowns star fronted for POTY!

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau should be considered for the Footballer of the Year Award and not Orlando Pirates duo Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis, according to Bucs legend Edward Motale.

Both Mofokeng and Appollis played a critical role in helping the Soweto giants end their 14-year Premier Soccer League drought, as Masandawana finished second for the first time in eight seasons.

In the 27 PSL fixtures, Mofokeng found the back of the net 10 times and provided eight assists in the process. The former Polokwane City winger had nine goals and six assists in the 30 South African top-tier games. The two players were influential as the Sea Robbers won MTN8 and Carling Knockout as well.

Despite finishing second on the table, as usual, Mudau was among the most consistent players for the Brazilians. He played 21 PSL games, with two assists to his name. He had a goal and three assists in all competitions as Sundowns won the CAF Champions League as well.

Why Mudau and not Mofokeng, Appollis?

“It’s just simple for the Young Player of the Season, I’d go for [Relebohile] Mofokeng, but the Player of the Season I’d give it to Mudau of Sundowns,” Motale said as quoted by the Sowetan.

“I don’t know the criteria they use, but Mudau has been consistent even for Bafana Bafana.”

“Every time it’s strikers and midfielders who are considered for these big awards, but I really think that Mudau has been a rock for Sundowns,” the ex-Buccaneers captain further justified his argument.

All three players, Mofokeng, Appollis, and Mudau, are with Bafana Bafana for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that is co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Hugo Broos’ men started their campaign in Group A with a 2-0 loss to El Tri. Their second fixture is on Thursday against the Czech Republic in Atlanta.