As South African clubs increasingly show a willingness to nurture young talents in the Premier Soccer League, it’s worth turning our attention to the future stars of South African football.
These budding stars are not only making their presence felt on the home ground but are also poised to elevate South Africa’s football standing on the global stage.
To be eligible for the list of upcoming young talents, the players must be 21 years old or younger and should have participated in senior professional football in the DStv Premiership or the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Here, we take a closer look at five such talents who are showing immense promise and are worth keeping an eye on.
Promising Young Talents in the South African National Team: A Closer Look
Motsepe Foundation Championship. Here are five of the most promising players to watch:
1. Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch)
Born on 5 May 2001, Adams may be young in age, but not in the stature he has established in Stellenbosch FC’s midfield. Far from being the most ostentatious midfielder, Adams is a relentless workhorse whose contributions often go unnoticed. But it’s his efforts that underpin the opportunities created by the team’s attackers.
2. Ashley Cupido (Cape Town Spurs)
Also born on 5 May 2001, Cupido, a striker-turned-winger, is currently enjoying a fantastic season with Cape Town Spurs. Despite earlier struggles with consistency, Cupido, the league’s current top scorer, has shown significant improvement and commitment to becoming one of South Africa’s most promising talents. Unsurprisingly, top-flight clubs are already showing interest.
3. Rushwin Dortley (Cape Town Spurs)
Born on 2 May 2002, Dortley, a towering 1.92m left-footed central defender, is considered one of the best defenders in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. At just twenty, his potential has caught the eyes of numerous major South African clubs. Despite this interest, Spurs have set a steep R10 million tag, hoping for a European offer for this bright prospect.
4. Kegan Johannes (SuperSport United)
Born on 31 March 2001, Johannes, although only 21, seems to have been a staple in South African football for years. A skilful defender with the ability to slot into midfield if necessary, he plays with an admirable passion that will take him far. Currently the national U23 captain, he’s aiming to lead South Africa to the Olympics. His leadership and tenacity were integral in the team’s previous successful qualifying campaign.
5. Cassius Mailula (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Born on 12 June 2001, Mailula has made a significant impression this season. A strong contender for the DStv Premiership Player of the Season and a likely pick for Young Player of the Season, Mailula’s performances for Sundowns have been impressive. Not only has he excelled domestically, but his five goals in continental football surely have European scouts taking note. With a potential move to Europe on the horizon, the only question is when he’ll make the leap.
These promising young talents, thriving in the South African football landscape, are clearly worth watching. Their growth and development could well hold the key to an exciting future for South African football on both the domestic and international stages.