Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
The five most talented teenagers in the PSL
Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport all boast some seriously talented teenagers on their books. Who’s the best of the bunch though?
Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United boast a wealth of young talent. Who is the best teenager in the PSL though? We’ve got five options.
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THE FIVE MOST TALENTED TEENAGERS IN THE PSL
MDUDUZI SHABALALA
THE DARLING OF KAIZER CHIEFS
It’s a heavy burden wearing the famous black & gold, but 19-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala seems at ease with the pressure. Already a first-team regular, he’s bound to become a key player at club and international level for years to come. Initially, a wide attacker, Mdu now enjoys occupying the “number 10” role but is equally comfortable drifting into the channels and carrying the ball over long distances.
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RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
Formerly known as Relebohile Ratomo, the Orlando Pirates playmaker’s rise to fame has been sudden. After a cameo in their opening day defeat to Stellenbosch, the 18-year-old has been thrust into the starting lineup in the Sea Robbers’ last two matches. He dazzled in a 4-2 win over Royal AM and their 5-0 rout of Sekhukhune. It’s clear that coach Jose Riveiro already trusts him in the big games, and that’s a huge compliment.
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LUPHUMLO SIFUMBA
The Guardian listed Sifumba among the best young talents in world football for 2022, an astounding crop of talented starlets. Now 18, the Cape Town City playmaker is ready to dazzle PSL fans across Mzansi. Blessed with vision, and sublime ball control, Sifumba is a talented playmaker. Although he’s yet to make his DStv Premiership debut, The Guardian already likens him to the silky, skillful Brazilian legend Kaka. Kaka is even his middle name! Sifumba is the first African footballer ever to sign with American sports agency Roc Nation. They already have established world stars Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku on their books.
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SHANDRE CAMPBELL
Gavin Hunt loves hard-working players who fit into his tactical plans, and left-winger Shandre Campbell fits the bill. He made his debut against Richards Bay, supplying an assist and receiving the Man of the Match award. He’s since stayed in the starting XI in a 0-0 draw with AmaZulu in the league, and their 1-0 defeat to Stellies in the MTN8.
IME OKON
Another Matsatsantsa star who has caught the eye is central defender Ime Okon. The 18-year-old was selected to start SuperSport’s season opener against Richards Bay alongside Thulani Hlatshwayo, with Siyanda Xulu having to settle for a place on the bench. Hunt knows a thing or two about talent, so that’s a massive vote of confidence. Like Richards, Okon has kept his place in the side ever since.
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Which top teenage talents have we left out? Please type their names in the comments section below.
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