Top 10 PSL Players to Watch in the 2026/27 Betway Season

As the Betway Premiership kicks off in August with 16 teams battling for top honours, continental qualification, and survival, we look at the players that are expected to shine in the new season.

10. Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko (Kaizer Chiefs)

Position: DM

Signed from Tanzaian side Azam FC, Bitegeko will provide a balance in midfield with disciplined positioning, ball-winning ability, and calm distribution. His presence allows more attacking teammates the freedom to create chances. Playing for a big club like Kaizer Chiefs, the 27-year-old will be expected to have an immediate impact, like how other foreign players made a quick impact when they arrived, like Glody Lilepo and Flavio Silva.

What to expect:

• Breaking up opposition attacks.
• Improved passing accuracy.
• Greater tactical discipline.
• Becoming a reliable midfield anchor for Kaizer Chiefs.

If he can settle quickly and stay injury-free, Bitegeko could become one of Chiefs’ most important players throughout the campaign.

9. Langelihle Phili (Stellenbosch FC)

Position: Winger

Langelihle Phili is currently a Stellenbosch FC player and could possibly join Chiefs. Phili is among the brightest prospects. His performances in the previous term were very impressive, and he became a key player for Stellies. His energy, pressing ability, and technical quality will make him an important player in the midfield for Stellenbosch or Chiefs.

What to expect:

• Increased influence in possession.
• More attacking contributions.
• Greater consistency across the season.
• Strong performances against the league’s top clubs.

8. Siyanda Ndlovu (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Position: Attacker

Every player that joins Mamelodi Sundowns often faces immense pressure. Siyanda Ndlovu, affectionately known as ‘Sikwishi’, is expected to be one of the key players to possibly replace Themba Zwane, whose age is no longer on his side. After having an impressive season at Golden Arrows, which saw both Orlando Pirates and Sundowns competing for his signature, Ndlovu is expected to improve in this campaign, looking at the tough competition from the Brazilians.

What to expect:

• More assists and goal contributions.
• Greater leadership in the attacking third.
• Improved decision-making in big matches.

7. Samkelo Mahlambi (TS Galaxy)

Position: Winger

Mahlambi has been one of the upcoming and exciting talents to watch last season. Known for his pace and direct running, he’ll be expected to provide goals and creativity against stronger opposition for TS Galaxy.

What to expect:

• Consistent attacking threat.
• Increased goal involvement.
• Leadership for younger teammates.
• Dangerous performances on the counterattack.

A productive season could see Mahlambi become one of the Rockets’ standout performers.

6. Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Mduduzi Shabalala enters the new campaign with increased expectations after becoming one of Kaizer Chiefs’ most creative players. Blessed with quick feet, intelligent movement, and the ability to unlock compact defences, Shabalala is expected to be the creative heartbeat of the Amakhosi midfield.

What to expect:

• More assists and goal contributions.
• Greater leadership in the attacking third.
• Improved decision-making in big matches.
• Driving Chiefs’ push for silverware.

If Chiefs are to challenge for the PSL title, Shabalala will need to consistently create chances and contribute goals.

5. Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)

Position: Winger

Tshepang Moremi has had his first perfect campaign with Orlando Pirates, helping the team to win the treble. He was one of the crucial players for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. In the new season, Pirates fans have high expectations from him in helping the Buccaneers retain their trophies. Moremi offers pace, directness, and creativity from wide positions. His willingness to take on defenders gives Pirates another attacking dimension.

What to expect:

• More opportunities in the starting XI.
• Dangerous wing play.
• Goals and assists in key matches.
• Becoming a regular contributor in Pirates’ attack.

4. Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi remains one of the PSL’s most entertaining playmakers. With Relebohile Mofokeng having left the Ghosts, Tito will be expected to fill that No. 10 position. His creativity, vision, and technical ability allow Pirates to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.

What to expect:

• More key passes and assists.
• Increased influence during high-pressure fixtures.
• Better connection with Pirates’ attacking unit.
• Match-winning moments from set pieces and open play.

His consistency could determine Pirates’ title ambitions.

3. Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Position: Central Midfielder

Teboho Mokoena is one of the few midfielders in South African football who can boss matches. His passing range, defensive awareness, and long-range shooting make him one of the league’s all-round midfield players.

What to expect:

• Controlling the tempo of matches.
• Winning midfield battles.
• More spectacular long-distance goals.
• Leadership in crucial fixtures.

Expect another dominant campaign from one of the PSL’s elite performers.

2. Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)

Position: Winger

Oswin Appollis brings pace, flair, and unpredictability to Orlando Pirates’ attack. He is comfortable on either wing and has the dribbling ability to beat defenders one-on-one and the ability to create opportunities for teammates.

What to expect:

• More goals cutting inside from wide areas.
• High assist numbers.
• Dangerous counter-attacking performances.
• Improved chemistry with Pirates’ forwards.

Defenders will have their hands full trying to contain Appollis throughout the season.

1. Brayan Leon (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Position: Striker

Brayan Leon has quickly become one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. His movement in the box, clinical finishing and aerial ability make him a constant threat.

What to expect:

• Competing for the Golden Boot.
• Leading Sundowns’ attack in domestic and continental competitions.
• Converting high-quality chances with consistency.
• Stretching opposition defences with intelligent runs.

A prolific season from Leon could be the difference between another league title and a deep CAF Champions League run. This is a player that is the top contender for the Golden Boot award and to score 20 or more goals should he stay injury-free.

Bet on the PSL with Bet.co.za

As we are about to witness another electrifying PSL campaign, you can place a bet on Bet.co.za on the outright winners of the league, Golden Boot winner, and match betting. You can also bet on major international leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga and many more. Remember to gamble responsibly. Betting should always be enjoyable, and only persons aged 18 years and older should participate.