2019/20 Absa Premiership Breakout Stars of the Season: Which players could blow?
Fans during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on October 26, 2013 in Soweto, South Africa.
(Oct. 25, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
Here’s some names for you to remember. Seven of the Absa Premiership’s hottest prospects and future stars that could light up the 2019/20 season.
1. Teboho Mokoena
Age: 22
Club: SuperSport United
Position: Midfielder
At his age, he is already part of the South African national team. He made his debut appearance for Bafana Bafana in 2016 and has since made about 50 appearances. Teboho scored the winning goal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for South Africa against islanders, Seychelles.
2. Phakamani Mahlambi
Age: 21
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
Position: Attacking Midfielder
He started his career with Bidvest Wits and has been blazing since then. Of note, he suffered a medial collateral ligament and took some time off the field of play. In 2017, he signed for Al Ahly, making him the first ever South African to play in Egyp. He has since returned home for the champions and remains one of the reasons why Pitso’ side remain acclaimed for their squad depth.
3. Justin Shonga
Age: 22
Club: Orlando Pirates
Position: Forward
The Zambian player was signed by the South African Bucs in 2017 from Nkwazi FC, a club back in Zambia. So far he has scored 4 goals in 23 ABSA Premiership appearances. Put aside his age, Justin “the Sheriff” Shonga is one of the deadliest attackers in the league, ask the defenders. He has however been a subject of speculation in the summer with Tanzania’s Simba FC reported to be interested in the Zambian international.
Siyabonga Nkosi of the Chiefs celebrates after the Nedbank Cup Final between SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 25, 2013 in Durban, South Africa.
(Dec. 31, 1999 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
4. Gift Links
Age: 20
Club: Cape Town City F.C.
Position: Forward
He was with Al Assiouty in Egypt where he made 11 appearances. He was called for the Bafana Bafana squad and gave a splendid performance. That caught the eye of his current team which then offered him a more permanent post and a return to South Africa, his homeland. Not many are as technically gifted as the 20-year-old.
5. Siphesihle Ndlovu
Age: 22
Club: Orlando Pirates
Position: Midfielder
After Maritzburg, he was caught in a dilemma between Mamelodi Sundowns and the Bucs. He eventually decided to side with the stars in black and white because he was apparently attracted by their style of play. Ndlovu signed a contract that will bind him to the side for the next three years and SA is waiting in anticipation to see what the voted 2018/19 midfielder and young player of the season has to offer in the long-term.
Fans during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on October 26, 2013 in Soweto, South Africa.
(Oct. 25, 2013 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
6. Sipho Chaine
Age: 22
Club: Bloemfontein Celtic F.C.
Position: Goalkeeper
Chaine grew up in Bloemfontein and playing for Celtic has always been his dream. At Celtic, he aims to wear the number one jersey. He appeared in this year’s MTN 8 and hugely earmarked as one of the most promising football talents in the country.
7. Sibusiso Mabiliso
Age: 20
Club: Amazulu
Position: Defender
The ABSA Premiership player is one of the youngest players in the league which has an average age of 27 years old. The age advantage has made the player one of the most solicited players in the league. It’s true that defenders are like wine, they get better with age. Mabiliso however happens to be a rare taste.