Six young PSL players who could make a name for themselves in 2023-24

Every Premier Soccer League (PSL) season presents an opportunity for young, unknown talents to emerge and the 2023-24 campaign will be no different.

In recent years it’s been easy to trace where some of these youngsters come from as we start seeing them representing their clubs in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) — a reserve league for the 16 top-flight PSL clubs where only under 23 players are eligible to play.

Interestingly, these players not only impress or shine because they’re playing for top PSL clubs. In fact, less glamorous PSL teams such as Lamontville Golden Arrows, SuperSport United, Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City have managed to use the DDC to groom their future stars.

Some PSL clubs are even sustaining themselves selling these young stars to bigger clubs after exposing them to the top flight.

TimesLIVE Premium has identified six young players we think everyone following the PSL would have noticed by the end of this season.

Relebogile Mofokeng, 18, Orlando Pirates, left winger

Mofokeng, previously known as Ratomo, made his PSL debut in a 1-1 draw against Royal AM towards the end of last season but showed he’s the real deal when he scored and provided an assist in the 4-0 win over AmaZulu in their final league match of 2022-23 in Durban in May.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is giving his full support to the young player, backing him to start in all three Bucs matches so far this season. It’s not surprising that already some are suggesting Mofokeng might leave South African shores as early as in January, after impressing some European scouts during Pirates’ preseason camp in Spain. With his ability to cut through defenders and provide telling passes, Mofokeng could become a big star for Bafana Bafana in the coming years.

Ime Okon, 19, SuperSport United, central defender

That Okon can keep Bafana defender Siyanda Xulu on the bench says a lot about what SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has already seen in the young central defender, who has Nigerian parents. Okon impressed in SuperSport’s DDC team last season.

That Okon has started in all three matches for SuperSport after his promotion to the senior side, shows how much he’s valued already at the club.

Siyanda Mthanti, 19, Lamontville Golden Arrows, right winger-cum-striker

Not many people knew Nkosinathi Sibisi, now a staunch defender at Orlando Pirates, before impressing while playing for Arrows a few seasons ago having also progressed through the Durban team’s DDC team. Mthanti is following in Sibisi’s footsteps, though as an attacker.

He was scoring goals for fun in Arrows’ DDC team coached by former Bafana winger Japhet Zwane last season. Zwane has told this writer that he’s not surprised that Mthanti scored on his debut senior match for Arrows after coming on as a substitute when they drew 1-1 against Moroka Swallows on August 5.

Mthanti has lightning speed, a brilliant first touch and packs a good shot. Like Sibisi, Mthanti may play one or two full seasons for Arrows before the PSL’s big guns come knocking for his signature. Much will all depend on how he takes his chances this season.

Taahir Goedeman, 23, Cape Town City, central midfielder

Goedeman underlined why he’s been promoted to the senior Cape Town City team after scoring the winner in their second league match away to Swallows.

That he can keep established City stars like Thabo Nodada out of the starting XI shows how much coach Eric Tinkler already thinks of him.

Like most of City’s current young stars, Goedeman first showed his promise in the club’s DDC team. Having featured in all of City’s first three matches, clearly indicates he’s the one for the future at the club.

Jaedin Rhodes, 20, Cape Town City, attacking midfielder

Rhodes showed his class in the MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Kaizer Chiefs where he stood out as one City’s better players on the day despite their last-gasp 2-1 loss. He has no problem taking on opponents with the aim of providing good passes for the attackers.

Playing alongside DDC mate Goedeman in City’s midfield should give Rhodes a lot of confidence. 

Sazi Gumbi, 22, Golden Arrows, Central midfielder 

Gumbi might have made his professional debut for Arrows in 2021-2022 campaign, but this season he’s already started two out of two league matches and is likely to emerge as the most influential of the young players at the Durban club.

The central midfielder is not afraid to attack when in possession and gives his team shape when they’re under pressure. Gumbi takes good shots in and around the area and should contribute a few vital goals for Arrows as people get to notice him more in 2023-24.