PSL Golden Boot Race Heating Up: Latest Standings and Key Contenders
The race for the PSL Golden Boot, or the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot, is well underway, with the current season promising to be another exciting contest for top goal scorer honors. Last season, the battle came down to the wire, with Tshegofatso Mabasa narrowly edging out Iqraam Rayners (then of Stellenbosch) by a single goal to win the prestigious award, finishing with 16 goals. This season, however, the competition is already fierce as a new crop of players vie for the title.
Unlike many of the end-of-season PSL awards, which are decided by a panel of judges, the Golden Boot is awarded solely based on the number of goals scored. Here’s a look at the players currently leading the charge in this year’s race for the Golden Boot, updated after each match week.
Top Scorers of the PSL Season
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns) – 7 goals
The Brazilian forward has been in fine form, playing a pivotal role in Sundowns’ attacking unit. His seven goals so far in the league make him the current top scorer, and he has shown no signs of slowing down. Sundowns’ consistent dominance in the league has been partly due to Ribeiro’s clinical finishing, and he remains one of the favorites to claim the Golden Boot this season. - Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns) – 6 goals
After an impressive season with Stellenbosch, Rayners has continued his scoring form with the defending champions. With six goals in just eight league matches, the former Stellenbosch striker is already a strong contender for the Golden Boot. Rayners’ ability to find the back of the net in crucial games has made him a key figure for Sundowns this season. - Dzenan Zajmovic (TS Galaxy) – 5 goals
The 30-year-old TS Galaxy forward has been an instrumental player for his club. With five goals to his name, Zajmovic has proven to be a consistent threat in front of goal, cementing his importance to Galaxy’s attacking setup. His performances could be a major factor in Galaxy’s push for a top-half finish in the league. - Andy Boyeli (Sekhukhune United) – 5 goals
Boyeli has made a name for himself this season with his rapid rise in the scoring charts. The 23-year-old Congolese forward netted a hat-trick in Sekhukhune’s 3-1 win over SuperSport United in January, taking his total to five goals. Boyeli’s emergence has been one of the standout stories of the season. - Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates) – 4 goals
The defending Golden Boot winner, Mabasa, is still very much in the mix. His hat-trick against Marumo Gallants propelled him to four goals, keeping him within striking distance of the top scorers. Last season, he triumphed by just one goal, and this year, he will be eager to defend his title. - Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates) – 4 goals
Despite being overshadowed by Mabasa, Makgopa has started the season strongly with four goals. His early form has given Pirates another reliable option in attack, and he will hope to push on and become a bigger contributor as the season progresses. - Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs) – 4 goals
The young Kaizer Chiefs attacker has had an up-and-down season but has still managed to score four goals. Shabalala’s potential is undeniable, and if he can find more consistency in front of goal, he could be a key player for Chiefs as they aim to improve their league standing. - Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns) – 4 goals
The Namibian striker, who has been a staple of Sundowns’ attack for several years, has not started the season as expected. However, with four goals under his belt, Shalulile remains a dangerous prospect and could be in for a strong second half of the season. - Devin Titus (Stellenbosch) – 4 goals
The Bafana Bafana winger has enjoyed a solid campaign for Stellenbosch, scoring four goals, including a brace in the team’s 5-0 win over AmaZulu in January. His performances have added another attacking dimension to Stellies, and he will look to continue his impressive form.
What’s Next?
As the season progresses, the competition for the Golden Boot is bound to intensify. Players like Lucas Ribeiro, Iqraam Rayners, and Tshegofatso Mabasa will be looking to build on their early-season form, while emerging talents such as Andy Boyeli and Mduduzi Shabalala could surprise with strong second-half performances. With so many players already in the mix, the race for the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2024/25 PSL season.
