Relebohile Mofokeng Headlines 2025/26 PSL Awards with Multiple Top Honours
Relebohile Mofokeng emerged as the biggest winner at the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League Awards ceremony held on Monday evening, confirming his status as one of South African football’s brightest stars. The 21-year-old attacking sensation enjoyed an exceptional campaign with Orlando Pirates before securing a move abroad at the conclusion of the season. His remarkable performances throughout the campaign earned him widespread praise from supporters, teammates and football analysts alike. The awards ceremony celebrated the finest achievements across South African football, recognizing outstanding players, coaches, officials and clubs for their contributions during the season. Mofokeng’s dominance on the night reflected the consistency, creativity and match-winning ability that made him one of the most influential players in the Betway Premiership.
The young star walked away with the most prestigious individual prize after being crowned the PSL Footballer of the Season. This award is widely regarded as the highest individual honor in South African club football and recognizes the player who has delivered exceptional performances throughout the campaign. Mofokeng also received the Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season award, highlighting the immense respect he has earned from fellow professionals who competed against him during the season. Completing an extraordinary evening, he was named the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season, underlining his incredible development despite being only 21 years old. Winning three of the most significant awards available demonstrated just how dominant Mofokeng was during the 2025/26 campaign and reinforced his reputation as one of the country’s elite footballers.
Mofokeng’s success came after a season filled with outstanding displays for Orlando Pirates, where he consistently produced goals, assists and moments of brilliance in crucial matches. His technical ability, vision, quick decision making and confidence on the ball made him one of the league’s most exciting attacking players. Throughout the campaign, he played a vital role in helping Pirates remain competitive while attracting attention from clubs outside South Africa. His performances not only benefited his club but also strengthened his position as one of the country’s most promising talents for the future. Securing an overseas transfer at the end of the season marked another significant milestone in his rapidly progressing career and provided further evidence that his talent has gained international recognition.
Orlando Pirates also dominated several of the Betway Premiership categories during the awards ceremony, highlighting the club’s impressive season. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was voted Betway Premiership Coach of the Season after successfully leading the team through a memorable campaign. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine received the Goalkeeper of the Season award following a series of outstanding performances that included crucial saves and consistent displays throughout the league season. Lebone Seema was recognized as Defender of the Season for his commanding defensive contributions, while Oswin Appollis collected the Midfielder of the Season award after consistently influencing matches from the center of the park. Camren Dansin rounded off the club’s success by winning the Goal of the Season award for producing the campaign’s most spectacular strike.
The awards also celebrated excellence across South African football’s major cup competitions, recognizing players who delivered memorable performances when the stakes were highest. Veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet received the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament award after playing a decisive role in Durban City’s successful cup campaign before announcing his retirement at the end of the season. His leadership, experience and crucial saves proved invaluable as Durban City lifted the prestigious trophy. TS Galaxy’s Seluleko Mahlambi was honored with the Most Promising Player of the Tournament award after impressing throughout the competition with mature and energetic performances. These awards highlighted the depth of talent spread across different clubs and demonstrated how cup competitions continue to provide opportunities for players to showcase their abilities on the national stage.
Additional knockout competition awards further reflected the quality displayed throughout the domestic football season. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, formerly of Orlando Pirates, was named the Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament after producing consistently influential performances during the competition. His contributions played an important role in his team’s progress and earned him deserved recognition among the league’s standout performers. Orlando Pirates continued their successful evening when Tshepang Moremi claimed the MTN8 Last Man Standing award, recognizing his impressive displays during another prestigious domestic tournament. These achievements demonstrated the strength of players competing across South Africa’s various knockout competitions and reinforced the high standard of football produced throughout the season.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship categories were dominated by Cape Town City, reflecting the club’s successful campaign in South Africa’s second tier. Emile Witbooi secured the Players’ Player of the Season award after consistently delivering influential performances that earned the admiration of fellow professionals. Gabriel Armato was named Young Player of the Season, highlighting his exciting potential and contributions throughout the campaign. Mickey van der Hart completed Cape Town City’s impressive awards haul by winning the Goalkeeper of the Season accolade following an outstanding season between the posts. Their achievements showcased the club’s strong foundation and emphasized the importance of developing talented players capable of making an impact at higher levels of South African football.
The future of South African football was also celebrated through the DStv Diski Challenge awards, where young players were recognized for their exceptional performances. Mamelodi Sundowns rising star Bennet Mokoena completed an unforgettable campaign by winning both available awards in the competition. He was crowned the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season while also finishing as the Top Goal Scorer, highlighting his outstanding attacking contributions throughout the youth league campaign. His double success reflected both his consistency and his impressive ability to influence matches with goals and creative play. Achievements like these continue to demonstrate the importance of youth development structures in producing the next generation of professional football stars.
Match officials were also recognized for their professionalism and excellence during the season, acknowledging the important role they play in maintaining the integrity of South African football. Eugene Mdluli received the Referee of the Season award after consistently delivering high-quality officiating performances throughout the campaign. Nandipha Menze was named Assistant Referee of the Season in recognition of her accuracy, consistency and outstanding contribution on the field. These awards highlighted the dedication and professionalism required from officials who oversee matches at the highest domestic level. Recognizing referees alongside players and coaches reinforces the importance of every individual involved in ensuring the success and fairness of the Premier Soccer League.
The 2025/26 PSL Awards celebrated another memorable season filled with outstanding individual and team performances across South African football. While numerous deserving winners were honored, Relebohile Mofokeng’s remarkable collection of three major individual awards ensured he was the undisputed star of the evening. His achievements reflected not only his exceptional talent but also the hard work, determination and consistency that defined his final season with Orlando Pirates before embarking on a new chapter abroad. The ceremony also showcased the depth of quality across the Betway Premiership, domestic cup competitions, youth football and match officiating. As South African football looks ahead to a new season, the accomplishments celebrated during the awards ceremony will continue to inspire established professionals and emerging young talents striving to reach the highest level of the game.
