The youngsters who are likely to set the stage alight in the top flight
A number of new stars are born every season in the PSL and the 2024-25 campaign will not be different.
So far, various clubs have either brought in teen sensations or promoted some from their second-string sides with a view to unleashing them in the top flight.
As the new campaign begins, Afrik-Foot profiles the potential breakout stars of 2024-25.
Emile Witbooi – Cape Town City
Cape Town City’s 16-year-old wonderkid Emile Witbooi made history when he became the youngest player to make the club’s matchday squad after being included in the lineup for Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Royal AM.
The son of former Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns winger Surprise Ralani, Witbooi made his name following a starring role for his club in the DStv Diski Challenge last season.
Witbooi was taken on board by coach Eric Tinkler for the club’s pre-season and after impressing, the tactician has him among the new players he hopes to unleash this season, which could be a breakthrough campaign for him. He has a lot of credit in the bank after scoring freely for South Africa Under-17 side in the six nations tournament in the Ivory Coast.
Siyabonga Mabena – Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns’ 17-year-old midfielder Siyabonga Mabena could be another breakout star if coach Manqoba Mngqithi opts to give him opportunities in the senior team.
Mabena is already doing his thing in the PSL Reserve League but the door could be opened for him in the senior side if he continues to impress.
The midfielder is highly rated and recently attracted the attention of scouts from Europe who visited South Africa to look at him alongside other youngsters.
Joseph Maphaga – Sekhukhune United
Having impressed for third tier side Highlands Park in the Nedbank Cup when they faced Sekhukhune United, Babina Noko wasted little time in luring him to Limpopo.
The winger is among 10 new players Sekhukhune signed ahead of this season and while he might have to be patient to get his opportunities, he could be one that sets the stage alight in 2024-25.
Vicky Mkhawana – Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs are already reaping dividends from their academy graduates after Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala gave them an opening day victory against Marumo Gallants on Saturday.
Their 18-year-old attacking midfielder Vicky Mkhawana is another one in the production line and was handed a three-year contract by Kaizer Chiefs in May 2023, less than a year after he was selected as a developing young player for the Kaizer Chiefs Foundation.
Mkhawana has had a meteoric rise, from being promoted to the DStv Diski Challenge squad, to starring with the national U17 side at the Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, and scored three goals in four games as Amakhosi reached the quarter-final of the 2023-24 PSL Reserve League.
Lucky Muthewi -SuperSport United
SuperSport United’s 17-year-old Lucky Muthewi made his senior team debut last season and could be about to have an extended run this campaign.
Muthewi will draw inspiration from his former team-mate Shandre Campbell, who he replaced on his debut in the Nedbank Cup last season, after the 19-year-old sealed a move to Belgian giants Club Brugge in July.
There are signs that he could have a bigger role this season after coach Gavin Hunt used him in SuperSport’s MTN8 quarter-final loss to Orlando Pirates in August.
