Some teams have less than 10 games to finish their campaigns and Sport Plus checks out who are the PSL Footballer of the Year contenders. Mamelodi Sundowns are on the verge of retaining their league title and despite that, there are still a lot of accolades to fight for. With Stellenbosch FC setting sights on finishing second and battling it out against Orlando Pirates, a successful team will secure a spot in the CAF Champions League.
As per the norm, the end of the season means players get recognised for their performances and get a chance to win individual gongs. In this piece, we look at the players who did exceptionally well and raised their hands for the PSL Footballer of The Year award.
PSL Footballer of the Year Award Contenders
With the Buccaneers having claimed the MTN8 title and challenging for the Nedbank Cup trophy, the likes of Sundowns are out to break records as far as the league run and dominance is concerned. Sundowns are unbeaten in 16 matches and have only registered four draws out of their 20 matches so far, will they finish this season as the Invincibles?
Marcelo Allende (Mamelodi Sundowns):
The nippy Chilean star has made his mark in his debut campaign with the Brazilians in the previous term. To show it was not a fluke, he is settling down in Mzansi and continues to dazzle the fans with his displays. Allende already boasts a league and African Football League gold medals. He has amassed 33 appearances plus three goals and five assists across all competitions.
Dubbed a true example of a box-to-box midfielder. The 25-year-old midfielder created 19 chances in the league in March, more than any Sundowns player, according to OptaJabu.
Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates):
The 26-year-old dribbling wizard has fitted in like a glove at Pirates since he arrived from SuperSport United at the start of the season. Maswanganyi has collected 31 appearances and scored an impressive six goals as well as eight assists in all competitions. The Bafana Bafana star is set to be key for Pirates as they chase a double. He already has an MTN8 gold medal to show for his efforts. On top of that, Tito has scooped six Man of the Match awards, more than any other player in the DStv Premiership this season.
Ronwen William (Mamelodi Sundowns):
The Bafana Bafana number one has had a brilliant season with both the national side and Sundowns. Williams is credited for Sundowns’ dominance this term. The 32-year-old keeper has been between the posts in 35 games, he managed to keep 27 clean sheets and conceded 9 across all competitions. Just last week, he saved two penalties to guide Masandawana to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch FC):
Rayners carries the hopes of Stellenbosch heading to the quarter-finals of the Nedbank Cup this weekend. The 28-year-old’s pace and eye for goals have helped Steve Barker’s men to lift their first PSL trophy in the form of the Carling Knockout Cup last year. Taking a look at his contribution, Rayners has nine goals and six assists out of all the tournaments, there’s no doubt he is also gunning for the Golden Boot accolade.
Lucas Ribeiro (Mamelodi Sundowns):
The Brazilian arrived at Chloorkop at the beginning of the season and set the stage alight with his finishing touches. With Rulani Mokwena struggling to revive talisman and two-time Footballer of the Season winner Peter Shalulile’s form, Ribeiro has stepped up.
Despite being a newcomer, he has been Sundowns’ main source of goals. The 25-year-old has converted 11 goals and chipped in with two assists for the log leaders in the DStv Premiership.
In all honesty, the five players stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to contenders for this prestigious accolade where one player stands to walk away with a mouthwatering R250,000 cheque.
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