PSL Awards Nominees Revealed for 2024/25: Heavyweights and Fresh Talent
The PSL awards always get fans buzzing, but this year's build-up has been even more intense. With the Premier Soccer League shifting the timeline to give Mamelodi Sundowns space to compete at the Club World Cup, the 2025 awards list finally went public. And if there's a theme this season, it's that big clubs are staking their claim all over the nominations.
In the headline category, Footballer of the Season, three names stand out: Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Sekhukhune United's Keletso Makgalwa, and rising Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng. It hardly surprises anyone who’s followed their stellar form lately. These three also show up in the Players' Player of the Season category—a clear nod from their peers to just how impactful they’ve been.
The development league isn't left out either. For the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Gomolemo Kekana, Kaizer Chiefs’ Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, and Stellenbosch's Tylon Smith are up for the honor. Their names have echoed in youth football circles, indicating a promising stream of talent for South Africa's big teams.
Officials get their moment with the Referee of the Season category: Luxolo Badi, Masixole Bambiso, and Olani Kwinda are all recognized. Assistant Referee of the Season sees voters split between Kgara Mokoena, Romario Phiri, and Khamusi Razwimisani. These are the faces (and voices) often forgotten, but when they make good calls, everyone notices.
The Coach of the Season battle shapes up as a shootout among Steve Barker (Stellenbosch FC), Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Jose Riveiro (Orlando Pirates). With their contrasting styles—Barker’s tactical puzzles, Cardoso’s attacking flair, and Riveiro’s discipline—this category might be the toughest to call.
Orlando Pirates Dominate Nominations as Transfer News Shakes Up Clubs
If you’re picking favorites, Orlando Pirates have to top the list. With a whopping 13 nominations, they edge out Mamelodi Sundowns, sitting close behind at 11. Kaizer Chiefs, while less dominant this season, still earn three nominations, showing some hope for fans after a challenging run. The awards ceremony is set for 29 July 2025, where bragging rights for a year are at stake.
But while the ceremony will celebrate the best of the season, the off-field action is just as fierce. Orlando Pirates announced they are parting ways with reliable midfielder Miguel Timm. At the same time, wing-backs Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane are making the switch to Kaizer Chiefs. For Chiefs, this comes after releasing Mduduzi Mdantsane, Edmilson Dove, and Sabelo Radebe—moves that mark a serious squad reshuffle ahead of next season.
If you keep one eye on international moves, Mohau Nkota’s transfer is worth noting. He’s packing his bags for Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League in a step that reflects the growing draw of football’s moneyed upstarts outside Europe. South African supporters are keen to see if he can make waves abroad.
The PSL always throws up surprises, and with the nominations out and transfer windows buzzing, football fans won’t be bored this winter. All eyes now turn to late July, as the breakneck ride towards the next season begins again—with a few more bragging rights on the line, and bragging set to get even louder on social media.
