The 2023/24 DStv Premiership season is almost done and dusted and Sport Plus looks at the players with the most appearances in the PSL era.
Formerly on the roster of Hellenic, Moroka Swallows, Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Platinum Stars, veteran defender Vuyo Mere is the current player with the most PSL appearances. Mere made his professional PSL debut with the Greek Gods, Hellenic back in 2001 against Black Leopards, He stands out head and shoulders when it comes to such a feat.
Currently contracted to TS Galaxy in Mbombela, the Bloemfontein-born defender is set to finish this season as the player with the most competitive PSL appearances. While Edries Burton has since retired after spending more than a decade with Cape Town top flight sides such as Cape Town Spurs and Santos, Mere has since surpassed his 316 mark.
Big Guns: PSL Players with the Most Appearances
Vuyo Mere (TS Galaxy 549 Games):
The 40-year-old defender, Mere is one of the most experienced in the Galaxy squad and he is now preparing for retirement. As one of the players who are still active having launched his career in the early 2000s, Mere is a true example of a professional footballer who has lived a clean life outside the football pitch.
Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United 397 Games):
The former Kaizer Chiefs left-back, Bhasera has been a regular feature in the South African top flight since his arrival from Zimbabwe in 2004 when he joined the now-defunct Tembisa Classic. When looking for longevity, the 38-year-old is a simple example and he remains a key figure for coach Gavin Hunt’s men where he wears the skipper’s armband.
PSL Players Close to Reaching 300 Appearances
While only two stalwarts who boast more than 300 games next to their names in the PSL era, several campaigners are almost close to making it. The likes of Mosa Lebusa still have age on their side and this feat is highly achievable.
Daniel Cardoso (Sekhukhune United 299 Games):
Another former Kaizer Chiefs defender who launched his professional career with another ex-PSL club, Free State Stars is Cardoso. The hard-working Johannesburg-born versatile stopper only needs one appearance to reach 300 appearances. The 35-year-old ex-Bafana Bafana defender has played 26 games and scored one goal for Babina Noko.
Bandile Shandu (Orlando Pirates 299 Games):
Shandu comes from the Maritzburg United fame and that is where he made a name for himself before his departure to the Soweto giants. Shandu is still fighting to cement his place under Jose Riveiro. The 29-year-old boasts two goals and a single assist out of 16 matches in all competitions.
Thabo Matlaba (Royal AM 298 Games):
One of the most revered veterans to have donned the black and white shirt and he deserves to be in the list of these longest-serving players. The man who can play either on the left or right flank, Matlaba is gifted with a great engine as he can run up and down on the wing. Next to his name is an impressive 21 appearances, two assists, and as many strikes for Thwihli Thwahla.
Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns 298 Games):
Sharing the same feat with Matlaba is an Ajax Cape Town development graduate, Lebusa. The Welkom-born defender was one of the key players for the Urban Warriors before his switch to Chloorkop in 2008. At Sundowns, the 31-year-old has tasted glory in various competitions. He has five PSL titles, the African Football League, and is a Nedbank Cup winner.
Andile Jali (297 Games):
The Matatiele-born midfielder, Jali rose to prominence at Orlando Pirates where he partnered with Oupa Manyisa. He is currently clubless and it remains to be seen if he will find a new club after unceremoniously leaving Moroka Swallows early this year. While he is a free agent, reports suggest he is considering hanging up his boots.