The awards ceremony, set to be broadcast live on SABC Sport and SuperSport from 7pm, promises to deliver fireworks as fans eagerly anticipate the crowning of this season’s elite. After a short postponement to accommodate Sundowns’ participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, the Premier Soccer League has finally revealed the nominees – and the competition is fierce.
At the heart of the night’s biggest narratives is the tight race between Mofokeng and Ribeiro Costa. Both players have been shortlisted for PSL Footballer of the Season and Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season, with Sekhukhune United’s Keletso Makgalwa also in contention for both accolades. But make no mistake, this year’s awards are shaping up as a two-horse race between the Pirates prodigy and the Sundowns playmaker.
Star Showdown: Mofokeng vs Ribeiro Costa
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa, with his flair, consistency, and eye for goal, has been the creative engine behind Sundowns’ continued dominance.
- Relebohile Mofokeng, just 19, has dazzled fans with his maturity, dribbling skills, and match-winning performances. He could make history by scooping multiple awards in one night, including Young Player of the Season, MTN8 Last Man Standing, and Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player.
Mofokeng’s presence across multiple categories shows just how impactful his season has been. Meanwhile, Ribeiro Costa remains a favourite for the Goal of the Season thanks to his wonder strike against Pirates – a moment that may just tip the scales in his favour.
Other Key Categories to Watch:
- Coach of the Season: Miguel Cardoso (Sundowns), Jose Riveiro (Pirates), and Steve Barker (Stellenbosch) are all in the running.
- Midfielder of the Season: A Sundowns-heavy trio -Marcello Allende and Teboho Mokoena – will be challenged by Pirates’ tough-tackler Makhehlene Makhaula.
- Goalkeeper of the Season: Ronwen Williams (Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Pirates), and Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC) are all standout nominees.
In the Nedbank Cup categories, Kaizer Chiefs dominate the Player of the Tournament shortlist, but once again, Mofokeng pops up under Most Promising Player, sharing the stage with fellow Pirates youngster Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
The Carling Knockout, MTN8, and Motsepe Foundation categories also reflect a season packed with competitive action and individual brilliance, but it’s clear that the headline act is the tug-of-war between Mofokeng and Ribeiro Costa.
Full List of Major Nominees:
PSL Footballer of the Season:
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Keletso Makgalwa (Sekhukhune United)
- Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season:
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa
- Keletso Makgalwa
- Relebohile Mofokeng
Coach of the Season:
- Steve Barker (Stellenbosch FC)
- Miguel Cardoso (Sundowns)
- Jose Riveiro (Pirates)
Young Player of the Season:
- Malibongwe Khoza (Sundowns)
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Mohau Nkota (Pirates)
Goal of the Season:
- Fawaaz Basadien
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa
- Glody Lilepo