The Most Creative Players in the PSL

As the PSL pauses the 2025 AFCON tournament, the first half of the 2025/2026 season has delivered a tighter than previously anticipated title race and dazzling individual performances. While the top scorer is currently Golden Arrows’ Sede Junior Dion (with seven goals), closely followed by Sekhukhune United’s Bradley Grobler and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners (both six goals), a deeper look at the statistics reveals the true architects of team success: the chance creators. Who have they been this season?

Chances Created

The metric of Chances created is defined by Opta as the final pass leading to a shot (including goals). It’s the perfect gauge for separating the playmakers from the rest. The top of this list is dominated by players who combine exceptional technical ability with the stamina to influence games consistently, as evidenced by their high minutes played.

The Golden Arrow’s Sharp Shooter: Siyanda Mthanti

Leading the pack is Siyanda Mthanti (Golden Arrows) with 33 chances created from just over 1,000 minutes played in the league. Whilst Arrows have found it difficult to keep consistent form, they sit 10th at the break with 19 goals scored and 19 conceded. Despite the team’s mild performances, Mthanti has been a near-constant threat, proving instrumental in Golden Arrows’ attacking structure. His ability to thread a pass has been unmatched, making him the most valuable supply line in the league so far.

The Sea Robbers’ Creative Core

Orlando Pirates boast a creative contingent that few can match, with three players featuring in the Top 10. Deon Hotto and Oswin Appollis are tied with a formidable 21 and 17 chances created, respectively, demonstrating the width and depth of the Buccaneers’ attack. Impressively, Hotto is a defender but clearly he’s been more than just that. They are joined by the highly-rated young talent, Relebohile Mofokeng, who contributed 19 chances created in his 592 minutes on the pitch, highlighting his remarkable efficiency and promising future.

Chiefs and Sekhukhune Duo

Hot on his heels are two players tied on 23 chances created: Kaizer Chiefs’ lively midfielder, Mduduzi Shabalala and Sekhukhune United’s Keletso Makgalwa. Neither is on the plane to represent Bafana Bafana at AFCON this December and January. Shabalala, playing fewer minutes than many others in the top tier, hints at his crucial role in the Amakhosi’s push up the table. Makgalwa’s presence alongside his Sekhukhune teammate Vusimuzi Mncube (17) is a testament to the club’s coordinated and effective attacking blueprint, a major factor in their strong league standing.

Completing the Elite List

Finishing off the list, we have 34-year-old Puleng Marema (21) from Polokwane City and Marumo Gallants’ Bheki Mabuza (20) have been critical to their teams, often acting as the lone creative spark. The experience of Sundowns’ Aubrey Modiba (18) continues to shine through, while TS Galaxy’s Puso Dithejane (17) has added another dimension to Galaxy’s attack. Lastly, AmaZulu FC’s Hendrick Ekstein (17) and Durban City’s Haashim Domingo (17) round out the field. As the continental break begins, the focus will shift to which of these creative forces will carry their form into AFCON, and more importantly, which ones will return to push their clubs toward trophies in the second half of the season.