Now that Mamelodi Sundowns have finally received their DStv Premiership trophy, Soccer Laduma looks at the contribution that was made by the players who won a league title for the first time in the PSL.
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Ronwen Williams
Arguably the signing of the season, Williams has been an immense figure in Sundowns' run to a seventh consecutive league title. In his first season with the club, Williams broke Moeneeb Josephs' record of 18 clean sheets in a season, keeping 19, as Sundowns dominated local football yet again. He made some crucial saves throughout the campaign and, like a lot of the modern goalkeepers, showed that he is comfortable with the ball at his feet. There are some Sundowns goals which started with a sublime Williams pass from the back and this was a key part of how the champions were able to open up the opposition.
Sipho Mbule
It wasn't the easiest season for Mbule. After joining the club from Tshwane rivals SuperSport, he had to deal with coming on from the bench most of the time. What made matters even more difficult was the reports of him allegedly getting to training under the influence of alcohol. But, after the reports, a new Mbule appeared and he took his game to another level. Right now, it's difficult for head coach Rulani Mokwena to leave him out of the starting line-up, especially in the big Champions League matches. He is proving to be an important player alongside Teboho Mokoena in the middle of the park. He has made 20 appearances in the league, with one goal. Eight of those matches were from the starting line-up.
Terrence Mashego
His first season at Sundowns was hampered by injury and there has also been tough competition from Aubrey Modiba at left back. Mashego was signed in August from Cape Town City and not long after that, sustained an injury, which kept him out between October and March. He returned at the start of March, getting opportunities in a few matches, which should give him hope of playing more next season. He made a total of nine appearances in the league, seven of which were in the starting line-up.
Sifiso Ngobeni
When Sundowns won the league last season, Ngobeni had been sent out on loan to SuperSport for the second half of the campaign and was not able to celebrate the success with the Tshwane giants. He returned to Sundowns this season and the club decided to keep him as one of the left backs competing with regular starter Modiba for a spot at left back. Ngobeni, a former Bloemfontein Celtic player, made 11 appearances in the league, contributing with one assist. He started six matches and come on as a substitute five times.
Cassius Mailula
His first season in the first team at Sundowns has been a fairytale. Possibly a candidate for the young player of the season, the 21-year-old has been an important player for Sundowns, especially during the period Peter Shalulile was out nursing an injury. With nine goals in his first topflight season in the league, Mailula would no doubt be delighted and build on from it.
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Marcelo Allende
The Chilean midfielder came to South Africa with a big price tag and he has delivered on the expectations. Mostly playing alongside Mokoena in midfield, Allende has shown the quality he has, making 19 appearances in the league, with two goals and as many assists.
The rest: Ntando Nkosi, Siyabonga Mabena, Jerome Karelse, Katlego Mohamme, Abdoulmounaim Boutouil, Abbubeker Nasir
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