By Michael Madyira
The just-ended Premier Soccer League season had a number of exciting surprise packages.
A couple of players performed above expectations and announced themselves after starting the season on a low note.
Not many people gave them a chance and Scrolla.Africa takes a look at those who made their names with some refreshing displays.
Cassius Mailula – Mamelodi Sundowns
The 21-year-old striker started his season a bit late and was not even being considered for the bench in the early stages.
Mailula was unknown and this was his debut top-flight league campaign.
He ended up challenging for the PSL Golden Boot award with nine goals, while also earning himself a maiden Bafana Bafana call-up.
Khanyisa Mayo – Cape Town City
Although this was Mayo’s second season playing PSL football, few expected him to be one of the league’s star performers.
The 24-year-old was the league’s joint top goal-scorer with Sundowns’ Peter Shalulile after finding the back of the net 12 times.
Ranga Chivaviro – Marumo Gallants
Chivaviro is the perfect example of a late bloomer.
At 30, he announced himself in the PSL as well as the CAF Confederation Cup after scoring 17 goals across all competitions.
Monnapule Saleng – Orlando Pirates
Before the start of the season, Pirates were considering sending Saleng back on loan at Swallows.
But he repaid coach Jose Riveiro’s faith in him by being the Buccaneers best performer by miles ahead.
Thapelo Maseko – SuperSport United
The SuperSport United attacker had not realised his full potential in the season prior to the just-ended campaign.
But this time around he turned himself into one of Matsatsantsa’s key players and the Tshwane side has so far rejected two offers for the 19-year-old from Belgian side KVC Westerlo.
Olwethu Makhanya – Stellenbosch FC
A very quiet player, a few people knew about Makhanya until the day he shackled Sundowns’ Shalulile in a league match on 5 March.
People had not taken notice that this is a 19-year-old defender who had already established himself as a rock in the Stellies rearguard since last October.
Siyabonga Mabena – Mamelodi Sundowns
The 16-year-old was the youngest player to feature in the PSL in the just-ended season.
Although he started enjoying some game time towards the end of the term, breaking into a team with seasoned players had the Grade 10 pupil catch the attention of many.
Pictured above: Cape Town City forward Khanyisa Mayo
Image source: Cape Town City
