The Top Eight Young Footballers In The PSL At Present

The Premier Soccer League is not one renowned for breeding young players on a regular basis, but a few more youngsters have been making their way through the ranks. In light of this, we look at the top eight young footballers in the PSL at present.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 12: Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs is the man of the match during the Nedbank Cup last 16 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Casric Stars at FNB Stadium on March 12, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images)

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 05: Neo Rapoo of SuperSport United and Nduduzo Sibiya of Golden Arrows during the DStv Premiership match between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on March 05, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 04: Thapelo Maseko of SuperSport United celebrates after scoring during the DStv Premiership match between SuperSport United and Cape Town City FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on February 04, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 02: Drammeh Kajally of Cape Town City FC during the CAF Confederation Cup, play-offs leg 1 match between Cape Town City FC and USM Alger at DHL Stadium on November 02, 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)

STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 14: Olwethu Makhanya of Stellenbosch FC during the DStv Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United at Danie Craven Stadium on January 14, 2023 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 04: Wandile Duba of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership match between Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs at King Zwelithini Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 14: Siyabonga Mabena of Mamelodi Sundowns in action during the DStv Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Royal AM at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on March 14, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images)

Mduduzi Shabalala

Mduduzi Shabalala is one of the most talented midfielders in the PSL, and being just 19 years of age, has defied the odds to cement his place in a Kaizer Chiefs starting XI. The nippy player boasts and array of skills and has an eye for goal. He was promoted to the Chiefs first stint after an assessment in Belgium.

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Neo Rapoo

SuperSport's form this season has been resurgent, and one of the major reasons is the addition of coach Gavin Hunt to Matsatsantsa. Hunt is no stranger to working with teenagers having given a 17-year-old Benni McCarthy his start in football. 17-year-old Rapoo has shown enough to prove that he can carry the baton from veteran captain Onismor Bhasera when he retires at the end of the season.

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Siyabonga Mabena

Mamelodi Sundowns may be sweeping aside all and sundry, which gives the Brazilians the opportunity to introduce youth players at the right time. Among those young players is 16-year-old Mabena, who has earned comparisons with the late Gift Leremi. Fortunately for the youngster, he is coached by Rulani Mokwena, a coach whose foundation lies with youth. Mabena made a cameo debut against Royal AM on Tuesday and showed glimpses of excellence in his short time on the field.

Thapelo Maseko

Maseko is one of the most sought-after youngsters in the PSL at the moment. The 19-year-old has scored 3 goals and laid on one assist in 18 games in all competitions this season. He has been a consistent fixture in Gavin Hunt's line-up this season. According to SuperSport CEO Stan Matthew, the Tshwane outfit have already received enquiries about the speedy attacker.

Kajally Drammeh

Drammeh's signing by Cape Town City was delayed due to paperwork issues, when he was first signed in January last year but so far, he has justified the wait as he delivered some impressive displays this season. Drammeh has one goal in 14 matches in all competitions this season.

Wandile Duba

Wandile Duba has shown glimpses of excellence in the Chiefs reserve side. Having worked with him in the past, Arthur Zwane has thrusted the young striker into the deep end in the Chiefs starting XI. Still just 18, Duba is yet to find the back of the net, but he has shown promise whenever given the chance this season.

Azola Matrose

Matrose caught the eye with his impressive displays in Chippa United's youth teams, which prompted Orlando Pirates to sign him on a first-team contract. He was loaned to back to the Chilli Boys to gain more playing time at senior level where he has scored two goals in 16 appearances this season. To test him in the English Premier League, Broja was loaned to Southampton last summer. He has missed out on Chippa's last four games, but he will be crucial for the Chilli Boys' survival hopes this season.

Jaedin Rhodes

Rhodes' rise to the top has been rapid since he broke into the Cape Town City first team. Still 19 years of age, he has become an integral part of the Citizens' first team and has featured 11 times for Eric Tinkler's side this season.