Players with X-factor who could determine the PSL title race outcome
WITH it shaping up to be a tense, tight finish in the race to be crowned champions of the PSL this season, the destination of the league trophy is likely to depend on how the title-contenders react during critical, match-defining situations.
While it is a given that team work is crucial to any club with designs on the title, there is also no doubt that the difference between winning and losing often hinges on exciting, flair individuals.
Players with the X-factor are able to craft something out of nothing, of turning a hopeless situation into a goal-scoring one.
The winner will emerge from one of Cape Town City, Wits, Kaizer Chiefs or defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Each of these teams have a footballer with the X-factor:
LEBOGANG MANYAMA (Cape Town City)
Arguably, the best player on show in the PSL this season. The City skipper has been at his creative best and is the cog around which the Cape side’s success turns.
Blessed with an instinctive eye for an opening, superb, tricky feet and clinical finishing to boot, if City are to win the league title, Manyama will have a huge say in the outcome.
But, while the influential footballer’s individual quality is crucial, it’s also his interplay and combination with teammates that make City such a deadly team.
Manyama, in tandem with players like Aubrey Ngoma and Bhongolethu Jayiya, provides a real headache for defences.
PERCY TAU (Mamelodi Sundowns)
If there is to be a player challenging Manyama for PSL player of the year, it is likely to be 22-year-old Tau.
The Sundowns striker has come to prominence this season and was particularly brilliant as the Pretoria club showered glory on the local game by winning the African Champions League.
It’s not just Tau’s goals that have caught the eye – his allround, energetic and intelligent play have also endeared him to football followers. If Sundowns are to go all the way and win the PSL title again, Tau’s performances could well prove to be the catalyst. PHAKAMANI MAHLAMBI (Wits)
There is no questioning the talent and ability of 19-year-old Mahlambi. The Wits winger is a special footballer, with pace, dribbling skill and confidence to burn. If there is a question mark, then it has to do with his inconsistency. But, considering that he has recently returned from a lengthy injury, the consistent performances will, no doubt, come with time.
Against City on Wednesday, Mahlambi gave notice that he is ready to terrorise defenders, and do justice to his potential, when he troubled the Capetonians each time he was in possession.
Wits are known for their defensive structure and organisation, but, in Mahlambi, they have a player with the individual, attacking prowess so vital to any team wanting to win a league title.
SIPHIWE TSHABALALA (Kaizer Chiefs)
He may be 32, but the evergreen Tshabalala is still the beating heart of Chiefs’ creativity. He is still the spark that ignites the Soweto club from an offensive perspective.
He is still the player capable of manufacturing something when it appears nothing is on.
The current Amakhosi squad has really come good under coach Steve Komphela, in that they are compact, cohesive and defensively sound. But, because of that, the team needs a player with something different, with flair and skill, and Tshabalala is still that man – the player the team looks to when they need an injection of invention.