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?

by James Freemantle

15-08-2023 20:44

in Premier Soccer League

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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kaizer chiefs mduduzi shabalala — Mduduzi Shabalala is one of the finest prospects to come out of Naturena in some time. Image: @kaizerchiefs / Twitter.

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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Orlando Pirates Mofokeng — Mofokeng challenged by Shaune Mogaila of Royal AM. Photo: BackpagePix

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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PSL Luphumlo Sifumba — PSL wonderkid Luphumlo Sifumba is going to take the world by storm. Image: KickOffMagazine / Twitter.

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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