Top 10 most valuable players in the PSL

Published on by

No Kaizer Chiefs player appear in the PSL's top 10 most valuable players with Mamelodi Sundowns dominating the list with seven players while one Orlando Pirates player made it.

Transfermarkt.co.za revealed the rankings a week ago, following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign.

TOP 10 MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS IN THE PSL

1 – Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns (46.1 million)

Hailing from Bethlehem, the 26-year-old midfielder has been among the DStv Premiership's most consistent performers.

While Footballer of the Season winners often struggle to maintain form the following year, the Mamelodi Sundowns man defied that trend. Despite receiving the award for the 2022/23 campaign, he remained at the top of his game last season.

Following his stellar performances, he has been nominated again for the award in the 2023/24 season along with his teammate Ronwen Williams and Stellenbosch FC forward Iqraam Rayners.

Mokoena’s market value increased by R3.8 million.

2 – Marcelo Allende – Mamelodi Sundowns (46.1 million)

The Chilean midfield maestro remains a key figure for Mamelodi Sundowns, both domestically and on the continental stage.

His impressive performances justify the over R40 million the Brazilians forked out to secure his services. The 25-year-old is among the select few players who surpassed the 40-match mark in all competitions, having featured in 44 himself.

Marcelo's market value has also seen a significant increase of R1.9 million.

3 – Matias Esquivel – Mamelodi Sundowns (R38.5 million)

Signed by Sundowns in the mid-season, the Argentine attacking midfielder has been blowing hot and cold in the past five months.

Despite this, he has made 13 appearances for the Brazilians, contributing two goals and one assist. 

With a full pre-season and starting the 2024/25 campaign alongside the team, Esquivel could become a key player for the Tshwane giants next season.

His market value has decreased by R3.8 million.

4 – Peter Shalulile – Mamelodi Sundowns (R38.5 million)

Despite battling injuries over the past two seasons, Namibian national team captain Shalulile is still a talisman for the DStv Premiership champions.

Rulani Mokwena continues to place his trust in him upfront, valuing his contributions not just in scoring goals but also in his overall play for the team.

Shalulile netted 15 goals in 39 matches across all competitions 

Just like Esquivel, Shalulile’s market value also dropped by R3.8 million 

Peter-Shalulile
Peter Shalulile – Photo by Icon sport – Photo by Icon Sport

5 – Lucas Ribeiro Costa – Mamelodi Sundowns (R35 million)

The Brazilian forward was a popular choice for Footballer of the Season in many discussions, but he ultimately missed out as he was not nominated.

Ribeiro hit the ground running after signing for the Tshwane giants from Belgian side SK Beveren.

He played a key role in the club's success in both the league and the African Football League, making significant contributions across all competitions.

The 25-year-old scored 16 goals and registered nine assists in 37 matches across all competitions.

His market value increased by a staggering R11.5 million.

6 – Iqraam Rayners – Stellenbosch FC (R35 million)

Stellenbosch FC man, Rayners was red-hot throughout the whole campaign, proving to be a leading light for the Western Cape-based side. 

Playing a pivotal role, he helped the Winelands side win the Carling Knockout Cup and secure CAF Confederation Cup qualification, capping off a successful season with a third-place finish in the league.

Rayners' most remarkable feat was undoubtedly scoring five goals in a single match against Polokwane City, equaling James Chamanga's record of five goals set for Moroka Swallows against Platinum Stars.

His impressive performances saw him get nominations for Footballer of the Season, DStv Premiership Player's Player of the Season, Carling Knockout Cup Player of the Tournament, and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament.

Rayners' stellar season also saw him earn the place in Bafana Bafana team of Hugo Broos.

His market value has seen a significant increase of R9.6 million.

7 – Tashreeq Matthews – Mamelodi Sundowns (R35 million)

Arriving at Masandawana alongside Esquivel in January, Matthews emerged as a revelation in the second half of the season. 

He contributed significantly, scoring four goals and providing one assist in his 17 appearances across all competitions.

Despite not being a regular starter, Matthews has proven to be an impactful substitute whenever called upon.

His market value was not revealed by transfermarkt.

8 – Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns (R30.8 million)

Modiba keeps improving season by season. Does a lot of work on the left side to contribute on the team’s attack and build-up as a wing-back.

Sundowns have also benefitted from his versatility with Rulani Mokwena, at times, playing him as an attacking midfielder or inverted wing-back.

His market value increased by R3.8 million

9 – Patrick Maswanganyi – Orlando Pirates (R27 million)

Similar to Ribeiro, the omission of Maswanganyi from the Footballer of the Season shortlist sparked controversy, given his impressive debut season at Orlando Pirates.

His ability to orchestrate the team's play has drawn comparisons to Mamelodi Sundowns' stalwart, Themba Zwane.

Maswanganyi notched ten goals and provided twelve assists across all competitions.

He was nominated for DStv Premiership Player’s Player of the Season, DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season, MTN8 Last Man Standing and Nedbank Cup Player of the tournament.

His market value soared by a whopping R12.5 million.

10 – Khanyisa Mayo – Cape Town City (R27 million)

Though left-footed striker Mayo hasn't replicated his 2022/23 form this past season, he remained a dependable presence up front for Cape Town City.

Mayo managed 11 goals and two assists in 31 matches across all competitions.

His market value increased by R3.8 million.

Avatar photo

Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.