Top 10 PSL signings of the season IN 2012/2013 SEASON Eric Mathoho (Bloemfontein Celtic to Kaizer Chiefs) Mathoho did not allow Patrice Motsepe’s millions to lure him to Mamelodi Sundowns, instead choosing to join Kaizer Chiefs, the club he supported as a boy. Today, Mathoho is a league and cup double winner with Amakhosi, having featured regularly for the club in defence as they conceded only 21 goals in 30 matches. It’s certainly proven to be a great decision to snub Sundowns, where he felt he would not have played much. Mathoho partnered Tefu Mashamaite in central defence and together they kept out some of the country’s most talented attackers. Mathoho was solid and calm in defence for Amakhosi. Katlego Mashego (Golden Arrows to Moroka Swallows) Former top goal scorer, Siyabonga Nomvethe, sustained an injury early on in the campaign, a big blow for the Dube Birds. Katlego Mashego stepped in, after signing with the club when the season was already underway, and became Swallows’ main source of goals. Mashego, a player with a sweet left foot, hit the ground running, scoring on debut against Ajax Cape Town, and went on to bang in a further 12 goals in the league. He finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 13 goals. He’s now back in the national team. Luyolo Nomandela (Carara Kicks to Free State Stars) If Free State Stars had the money to keep the players they unearth every season, they’d probably be winning silverware on a regular basis. After losing Edward Mnqele to Mamelodi Sundowns during pre-season, Stars went out to find another star. They have definitely found one in Luyolo Nomandela, who can create something out of nothing. Kingston Nkhatha (Black Leopards to Kaizer Chiefs) A victim of the boo boys who wanted him replaced in quite a few of Kaizer Chiefs’ matches, this surprise signing actually did well, playing a pivotal role in Amakhosi’s league and cup double winning campaign. Often preferred up front ahead of Lehlohonolo Majoro, Nkhatha was very useful in attack, confusing defenders while creating space for midfielders and strike partner Bernard Parker with his ability to hold up the ball. Signed from Black Leopards, Nkhatha scored seven league goals, and one in the Nedbank Cup. Tshepo Gumede (SuperSport United to Platinum Stars) He’s definitely the bargain of the season. Gumede arrived as an unknown at Stars on a free after he was released by SuperSport United and proved to be one of the club’s best players as Stars finished second on the table. Stars coach Cavin Johnson gave Gumede a chance to play after Dikwena were hammered 4-1 by Ajax Cape Town early in the season and, from then on, Gumede was a regular feature in the starting line-up, playing alongside Benson Mhlongo. Very calm in possession of the ball, Gumede was named the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament last weekend, just reward for an impressive season. Papy Faty (APR FC to Bidvest Wits) The Clever Boys brought in some high-profile names in a bid to challenge the big boys in the Premiership, signing the likes of Tinashe Nengomasha, Aaron Mokoena and Matthew Pattison. But it was Papy Faty who stood head and shoulders above the club’s big-name signings this season, the little known midfielder from Burundi proving to be the driving force in a midfield boasting some of the country’s finest talent. Signed from APR FC in Rwanda, the skilful Burundian scored five goals from midfield. Mame Niang (SuperSport United to University of Pretoria) A bitpart player last season at SuperSport United, Niang left to join cross-town neighbours University of Pretoria in search of regular game time so that he could rediscover the scoring form that made him the league’s top scorer in the 2005/2006 season. Niang starred regularly for the rookies and his 10 league goals helped Steve Barker’s side to a top-eight finish this season. Tuks will have to find a replacement for Niang, who has rejoined SuperSport on a three year contract. They will definitely miss their tall striker, who won almost every aerial battle and was able to flick long balls on for the likes of Bongani Zungu and Aubrey Ngoma. Mohamed Awal (Asante Kotoko to Maritzburg United) The Ghanaian defender proved to be the perfect replacement for Mor Diouf, who left to join SuperSport United. A no-nonsense defender, Awal brought some stability to the Maritzburg defence – they conceded 31 goals, seven fewer than the previous season. His performances for the Team of Choice did not go unnoticed as he was called up for the Ghanaian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa earlier this year. He has also landed up on the radar of both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates who are interested in signing Awal. Joel Mogorosi (Mochudi Centre Chiefs to Bloemfontein Celtic) Celtic won their first trophy in seven years this season – the Telkom Knockout – and key to that success was Joel Mogorosi. He scored three goals, including the winner, in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns and was named Player of the Tournament on Sunday at the PSL awards. The Botswana international, a big strong midfielder who can also play as a striker, was brought in from Botswana club Mochudi Centre Chiefs and helped Celtic to yet another top-eight finish. He is said to have attracted the interest of the big Gauteng clubs. He’s quick off the mark and gets into good positions in the box. Mogakolodi Ngele (Township Rollers to Platinum Stars) How this player was not nominated for any awards this season remains a mystery. He was one of the star performers this season in the Absa Permiership, dazzling opponents as Platinum Stars pushed Kaizer Chiefs for the title. Ngele, a Botswana international, rattled the back of the net 10 times in the league, making late runs into the box which often led to goals. Signed from Botswana giants Township Rollers, Ngele had a very good first season in the PSL and Stars would do well to hold on to him. – Star Africa. WHO WAS THE BEST SIGNING LAST SEASON??
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 17:12:53 +0000
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