The South African Premier Soccer League has been at the heart of young footballer’s desires for decades. They play the sport they love in front of people who support it as much as them. Players spend their entire lives training to be fit enough to play at a level as competitive and demanding as the PSL, and in the age that we live in, football demands younger and faster players who debut even earlier. This article will look at some of the youngest players to debut in the South African PSL, and highlight South Africa’s very own wonder-kids as they push the boundaries further and further.
Siyabonga Mabena (debut: 16 years old)
In very recent days, Siyabonga Mabena has started the list of the nation’s earliest football debutants. He made his official PSL debut at 16 years and 24 days old, for Mamelodi Sundowns on 14 March 2023 against Royal AM in a 5-1 victory. The football prodigy acts as a forward for his side as well as the U23 national team. He is known for his agility and his perfect goal-scoring form, finding the back of the net numerous times in his exploits. He is a force to be reckoned with, making a claim for himself as a clinical finisher.
Steve Lekoelea (debut: 15 years old)
A player of legendary status is next on the list. Having debuted for Moroka Swallows against Bloemfontein Celtics in October 1994, he became one of the youngest players to ever debut in the league at 15 years, 8 months, and 15 days old. His debut was even more special considering that he was part of the starting line-up. This special debut opened the doors for his phenomenal career where he acted as a midfielder with incredible awareness and accuracy.
Phakamani Mahlambi (debut: 18 years old)
Phakamani Mahlambi’s debut for Bidvest Wits at just 18 years old was a testament to the club’s youth development system. This talented forward possessed a lethal combination of speed and skill that made him an instant sensation. Mahlambi’s debut marked the beginning of a promising career that would eventually see him make waves on the international stage.
Percy Tau (debut: 20 years old)
Percy Tau’s debut for Mamelodi Sundowns at 20 years old signaled the arrival of a true gem in South African football. His vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability set him apart. Tau’s rapid rise eventually led him to Europe, where he played for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League. His story serves as an inspiration to young players across the country.
Keagan Dolly (debut: 19 years old)
Keagan Dolly’s debut for Mamelodi Sundowns showcased his exceptional technical abilities and football intelligence. At 19, he demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Dolly’s remarkable journey took him from the PSL to Europe, where he continued to make South Africa proud, representing his nation on various occasions.
Jabulani Ncubeni (debut: 16 years old)
At 16 years and 30 days old, Ncubeni donned the Maritzburg United senior jumper for the first time as he came on as a substitute against Ajax Cape Town on 17 January‚ 2009. This makes the midfielder one of the youngest to ever debut in South Africa, launching a long-lasting career for him across multiple PSL teams.
Mkhanyiseli Siwahla (debut: 15 years old)
The final player in this list is the youngest of them all, and the youngest to ever debut in the PSL, Mkhanyiseli Siwahla, who debuted for Ajax Cape Town. He debuted at just 15 years, 5 months and 22 days in February 2004, where he not only started the game as part of the starting-eleven but also made an already incredible night even more incredible by scoring a goal. This made him the youngest ever PSL debutant, but also the youngest ever goal scorer for the PSL.
Clearly the PSL has made active efforts to incorporate more and more young players into the league, to give them opportunities and to shape them into players with lasting impact. The future of football is in the hands of the youth, and this is something that the PSL has always understood, and that is why they have opened the door to so many fledging starlets and granted them the chance to show that football knows no age.