Following the conclusion of what was the longest Premier Soccer League (PSL) season ever, prolonged by the coronavirus outbreak, Sihle Ndebele and Neville Khoza select the best XI.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United)
Accomplishing this feat for a second season in a row, Williams kept more clean sheets (13) than any other goalkeeper in the league. The Matsatsantsa shot-stopper featured in all 30 league outings, helping the Tshwane club to finish fifth on the log. Williams had managed 12 clean sheets in the 2018/19 season. In the just-wrapped up term, Williams, 28, was the only keeper who played all the league games.
Right-back: Reeve Frosler (Kaizer Chiefs)
With his unrivalled inviting crosses, Frosler was instrumental in Chiefs’ style of play that was characterised by high balls. The 22-year-old full-back even proved versatile, playing few other positions with aplomb after the departure of George Maluleka. Frosler played 23 league games and notched-up three assists.
Central defender: Daniel Cardoso (Chiefs)
The ever-present feature in Amakhosi’s XI, Cardoso hardly put his foot wrong. The 31-year-old defender played a pivotal role to even cover for his off-form partner at the heart of defence, Eric Mathoho. In 30 league outings, Cardoso netted four goals.
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Central defender: Rushine de Reuck (Maritzburg United)
De Reuck was one of a few consistent performers the entire campaign. Many even see the 24-year-old as a strong contender for the Defender of the Season accolade. The Maritzburg defender played all the league games, scoring once and assisting once as well. His calmness on the ball and tactical awareness frustrated a lot of strikers.
Left-back: Edmilson Dove (Cape Town City)
Dove missed only two of City’s 30 league games, scoring three goals in the process. The Mozambican was in his element in the 2019/20. Dove’s agility and aggression set him apart from other left-footed full-backs in the just-ended campaign.
Central midfielder: Goodman Mosele (Baroka)
Mosele is one of the best midfielders in the country. He is great on the ball, with good technique and a good physical presence. He had a good season with Baroka, having played 26 matches in all competitions this past season.
Central midfielder: Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport)
Mokoena has established himself as a key player in Kaitano Tembo's starting XI. He was outstanding again this past season having played 34 matches in all competitions with two goals and five assists.
Attacking midfielder: Lebogang Manyama (Chiefs)
Manyama was Chiefs' orchestrator-in-chief as he ended the league season with the most assists (nine) and scored six goals in the process. It was a good season for Manyama in the end.
Attacking midfielder: Themba Zwane (Sundowns)
Zwane had his own ups and downs during the season but came good in Sundowns' dramatic run to a third title in a row. He scored an impressive 11 goals from midfield and provided countless assists to his fellow attackers. He was instrumental in the 1-0 win over Chiefs, which pulled Sundowns level with the then log-leaders. So impressive that many see him as indisputable player of the year.
Forward: Samir Nurkovic (Chiefs)
The Serbian international adjusted quickly in the PSL with Amakhosi this past season. He became a reliable goal scorer for them and was the reason why they were challenging for the title only to lose it on the last day. Nurkovic scored 13 goals and recorded six assists.
Forward: Gabadinho Mhango (Pirates)
The Malawian international had an impressive season with the Buccaneers and he is one of the reasons why they finished third and qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup. He caused havoc for PSL defenders with his blistering pace and tricky feet. He scored 16 goals which earned him the Golden Boot award jointly with Peter Shalulile.
Bench: Daniel Akpeyi (Chiefs), Motjeka Madisha (Sundowns), Thabo Nodada, Bradley Ralani (both Cape Town City), Bongi Ntuli (AmaZulu), Peter Shalulile (Highlands)
Coach: Pitso Mosimane (Sundowns)
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