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.
Wow the nominations are popping off! I love seeing the mix of seasoned pros and fresh faces. It's great that the PSL is giving the Diski Challenge some spotlight too. The race for Footballer of the Season is gonna be intense. Can't wait for the ceremony.
Congrats to all the nominees, especially the young talent making waves. The development league shows the future is bright. Coaches will be proud to see their players recognized.
It is evident that the selection committee has adhered to a rigorous evaluative framework, thereby ensuring that only the most meritorious individuals receive their due commendation. Such an approach upholds the integrity of the PSL's storied tradition.
These nominations are a total joke
Seeing Orlando Pirates leading the nomination tally is a testament to their strategic recruitment and effective on‑field chemistry, which has evidently paid dividends over the past season. Their thirteen nods underscore a depth of talent that permeates every department, from attacking flair to defensive solidity. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns, with eleven nominations, demonstrate that they remain a formidable force, capable of challenging for every accolade. The presence of players like Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Keletso Makgalwa among the top contenders highlights the league’s increasingly competitive nature. Moreover, the inclusion of rising star Relebohile Mofokeng signals a promising generational shift that augurs well for the league’s future. The Diski Challenge nominees – Gomolemo Kekana, Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, and Tylon Smith – embody the pipeline of youth development that South African football so desperately needs. Recognition of referees such as Luxolo Badi and assistants like Kgara Mokoena reminds us that officiating standards are also being celebrated. The coaching battle, featuring Steve Barker, Miguel Cardoso, and Jose Riveiro, promises a tactical showcase that will intrigue pundits and fans alike. Transfers out of the Pirates, like Miguel Timm’s departure, will test the squad’s adaptability and depth as the season progresses. The acquisition of wing‑backs Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane by Kaizer Chiefs adds intrigue to the upcoming campaign, potentially reshaping their defensive dynamics. International interest, exemplified by Mohau Nkota’s move to Al‑Ettifaq, reflects the global market’s growing appetite for South African talent. While some critics argue that the nomination distribution favours the traditional powerhouses, the data suggests a more nuanced narrative of emerging parity. Fans should also note that the ceremony’s timing on 29 July 2025 allows for ample build‑up and speculation, fueling engagement across social platforms. The anticipation surrounding these awards is likely to amplify viewership and commercial interest for the league. Ultimately, the diverse array of nominees showcases the PSL’s evolution into a more inclusive and competitive arena. Let us celebrate this milestone and look forward to an exhilarating climax to the season.
Honestly, I think the hype around the Pirates is overblown – other clubs have hidden gems that deserve more attention. The nomination list seems to reinforce the same elite circle year after year.
Hey guys! I just wanted to say how thrilled I am to see such a vibrant mix of talent across the league. The fact that the Diski Challenge players are finally getting their moment is so refreshing – it shows the PSL is really investing in the future (yeah 😁). I also love that the refs are getting recognition; they often work in the shadows but their decisions can make or break a match. It's also cool to see the international transfer buzz, especially with Nkota heading to Saudi – that could open doors for more SA players abroad. As a fan from India, I’m watching closely and cheering on the South Africans – keep up the great work, and may the best team win!
The coaches have done a superb job juggling squad rotations and the tight schedule. Their strategic adjustments have been crucial in getting those nomination numbers.
Drama on the sidelines is as fierce as the battles on the pitch
True, the off‑field drama often adds an extra layer of excitement for us fans.