CAF Champions League 2024/25: Top 10 Goalscorers Revealed — South African Stars Shine

With the curtain officially drawn on the 2024/25 CAF Champions League, the standout performers have been revealed — and among the continent’s finest are some rising South African stars who left their mark on Africa’s biggest club stage.

Pyramids FC were crowned champions of Africa for the very first time following a thrilling 2-1 second-leg win over Mamelodi Sundowns, securing a 3-2 aggregate triumph in Cairo. As the Egyptian side lifted the trophy, the final also brought clarity to the individual accolades — including the golden boot race.

Leading the pack is Democratic Republic of Congo forward Fiston Mayele, who finishes the campaign as the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals. The 30-year-old was a constant threat throughout the competition and showcased his poacher’s instinct in the final by scoring the opener, punishing a poor clearance by Grant Kekana. South African fans will remember Mayele well, as he netted a brace against Orlando Pirates in their earlier clash in Cairo — a 3-2 victory that highlighted his clinical nature in big games.

Despite the heartbreak of Sundowns’ final defeat, the Champions League provided a major platform for several South African players to shine, especially Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners, who both secured spots in the top 10 goalscorers of the competition.

Relebohile Mofokeng, the 19-year-old Orlando Pirates sensation, continued his meteoric rise with a brilliant run in the competition, finishing with five goals — the fourth-highest tally overall. Mofokeng found the net in key matches, including away fixtures in notoriously tough North African stadiums such as CR Belouizdad, Al Ahly, and even Pyramids FC.

Another emerging name from Pirates, Mohau Nkota, scored four goals and was a consistent attacking outlet throughout the campaign, cementing his name as one of the breakthrough stars of the season. Stellenbosch FC forward Iqraam Rayners also struck four times, including a goal in the final against Pyramids. Rayners’ ability to deliver in high-pressure moments boosted his profile both locally and across the continent.

Final top 10 CAF Champions League goalscorers include Fiston Mayele (9), Relebohile Mofokeng (5), Mohau Nkota (4), and Iqraam Rayners (4), with other names across Africa rounding out the list. This year’s competition not only highlighted the tactical prowess of teams like Pyramids and Sundowns but also served as a showcase for young and established South African talent. The presence of three South African players in the top scorers’ list reflects the growing quality of the PSL and reinforces South Africa’s reputation as a competitive footballing nation on the continent.

As clubs begin preparations for the 2025/26 season, the performances of Mofokeng, Nkota, and Rayners are sure to attract further attention — both from European scouts and from PSL rivals. Their Champions League exploits could prove to be a launchpad to even greater success.