With 2024 coming to an end, Soccer Laduma takes a look at the top five youngsters who emerged this year and made their mark.
A lot more youngsters have been getting an opportunity to shine in the Betway Premiership and this can only be good for the future of South African football.
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Puso Dithejane (TS Galaxy)
He controversially left Kaizer Chiefs last year while he was still a member of their Diski Challenge, but was given an opportunity by the Rockets, who are now benefitting from his presence. The 20-year-old made his debut for the club in February, during the second half of last season. Since then, he has been a driving force in midfield for Galaxy, using his intelligence to find a chink in the opposition armour. This season, he has featured 12 times in all competitions.
Mohau Nkota (Orlando Pirates)
While many people were talking about Relebohile Mofokeng, Pirates unleashed another youngster and he quickly established himself as a scorer of cracking goals. Nkota got his first taste of first team action in September against Richards Bay and has now become a key member of Bucs' starting line-up, playing on the right wing, which allows him to cut into his favoured left foot to shoot or whip in a cross into the box.
Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The Sundowns product has come into the first team this season and is giving the more experienced defenders a run for their money. Since the appointment of Miguel Cardoso, the 20-year-old central defender has started every game. He has made 12 appearances in all competitions and is slowly starting to raise his hand for national team recognition, with the Africa Cup of Nations coming in 2025. Khoza is solid in the tackle and comfortable on the ball, which is a prerequisite for defenders at Sundowns.
Asekho Tiwani (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The 19-year-old, who is captain of the national under-20 team, made his professional debut in February, while he was in the colours of Sekhukhune United during the second half of last season. In a short space of time, he made 16 appearances in all competitions for Babina Noko before earning a big move to Sundowns. He impressed former Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who gave him opportunities at left back. He made eight appearances under Mngqithi, but has not featured since the appointment of Cardoso. This year will be remembered for the wonder goal he scored for Sekhukhune just metres into the Cape Town Spurs half in April. It was voted goal of the season.
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Kutlwani Lethlaku (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Sundowns have given youngsters an opportunity this year and another one is Lethlaku, who has impressed whenever he has featured. His debut came last season as a last minute substitute against second tier Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup in March, but he had to wait until the start of this season to get more minutes on the pitch. In 12 appearances, he has scored three goals and two assists. His finest moment came when he netted a brace in a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in November.
