The 2023/24 DStv Premiership season is almost finished but we have to wait until we know who will be crowned as the champions and who is relegated. In this feature, Sport Plus looks at the most outstanding players over the season and how many Man of the Match Awards they won.
While there is a debate about who will walk away with the DStv Premiership Player of the Season accolade, it’s also a point of argument for others on whether the number of Man of the Awards counts.
Related: PSL: Who Will Clinch The Footballer Of The Year Gong?
Players such as Patrick Maswanganyi, Teboho Mokoena, and Iqraam Rayners have raised their hands for the POTS gong. At the same time, Rulani Mokwena has tipped his keeper Ronwen Williams to be considered for the POTS award but that’s a topic for another day.
Players with the Most DStv Premiership Man of the Match Gongs
Patrick Maswanganyi (6):
The Buccaneers’ dribbling wizard has set the stage alight and caught many by surprise because this was his first season with the Soweto giants. Maswanganyi has also helped the team to MTN8 glory as they are also in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals. The man nicknamed Tito boasts six accolades next to his name and tops the list.
Ismael Toure (5):
In this list, the skilful Maswanganyi, formerly with SuperSport United is joined by Stellenbosch FC’s Ismael Toure who has five. Some of the players who are on this list but have four Man of the Match Awards are Goodman Mosele of Chippa United, Elias Mokwana of Sekhukhune United and they are also looking to topple Maswanganyi come the end of the campaign.
Teboho Mokoena (3):
A nippy midfielder with a knack for goals, Mokoena has been a pillar of strength for Masandawana this term. The reigning DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season and Player of the Season has collected three MOTM awards and with his trademark long-range shots, he will look to collect more in their remaining matches. Mrembula is also vying for another top accolade as he is set to lift the league title once again.
Another player in fine form for Pirates is Tshegofatso Mabasa who has three. The burly forward has his eyes on the Top Goalscorer Award as he looks to challenge Lucas Ribeiro of Sundowns (both on 11 goals).
Related: Pirates: A Look At The Buccaneers’ Top Earners
Khanyisa Mayo (3):
The only trusted of goals for Cape Town City is the son of Kaizer Chiefs legend Patrick Mayo. Khanyisa has nine strikes on the goalscorer’s charts and having scooped the same award with Peter Shalulile as joint top scorers, Mayo is seriously vying for a top individual accolade this season. In the list, he is joined by TS Galaxy’s Mpho Mvelase, Justice Chabalala of the Chilli Boys as well as Kwanda Mngonyama of Moroka Swallows.
For the falling giant, Kaizer Chiefs, the only representative from Naturena is Pule Mmodi. The ex-Golden Arrows playmaker has three gongs next to his name for the Glamour Boys.
DStv Premiership Man of the Awards in all Competitions:
Iqraam Rayners (6) & Patrick Maswanganyi (8):
The Stellies hitman is seemingly collecting more in cup competitions than in the league and that is why his name doesn’t appear when looking at the league. Rayners is solely credited for the Cape Winelands side’s impressive run this term. They are in the Nedbank Cup semis and are on the verge of finishing as number two in the league.
2023/24 DStv Premiership Awards:
With Sundowns needing two more wins to seal their seventh league title as they have 56 at the summit, the victories will elevate them to an unassailable 62. On the other hand, Pirates and Sundowns have a chance to make it to the final of the Ke Yona competition and that clash will be played after all the league games by the end of May.
The league’s governing body, PSL usually holds the annual PSL awards a day after the final of the Nedbank Cup and that is when the debate on who stood head and shoulders above the rest will be buried.
Related: PSL Big Guns: List Of Players With Most Appearances