Attacking midfielders

Dumisani Zuma

The former Celtic man has had a mixed season. Under Solinas, he started 12 matches and appeared to be the go-to winger for the Italian. However, he only contributed one goal and two assists in those games and was caught out defensively in several games. Since Middendorp took over and ditched a formation featuring wide men, Zuma has barely featured, playing only one minute in the PSL and starting once up front, away to Elgeco Plus. In a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 diamond, his only real role is up front, where he is fourth choice behind much more experienced options. 5.5/10

Bhongelethu Jayiya

The former Cape Town City man has made just one start this season and has not played a single minute of league football under Middendorp and featured for just 70 minutes under Solinas. He was left out of the Confed Cup squad and seems to have no future at the club. 4/10

Hendrick Ekstein

The playmaker has had a season of two halves. He started just three league games under Solinas and was played on the flank, having little effect. Since Middendorp took over, he has been a regular selection, having convinced the coach after initial doubts. He has scored three goals in recent outings (one vs. Wits and two against Elgeco Plus), shown good defensive work in a midfield three and generally executed the coach’s instructions to a tee. The one blot was his error for Zesco’s goal as he was caught in possession, but in his current form, he could remain a starting XI player for the rest of the season. 6.5/10

Kabelo Mahlasela

This has been a pretty quiet season for such an exciting player. He was started twice by Solinas as a right winger in the league and did not look particularly comfortable or impressive, though he did score against Zimamoto. In Middendorp’s first game in charge, he came on at halftime in a more central role and assisted the winner in a very lively showing. He has only had two substitute outings since then and was not even in the 18 against Tornado FC. 5.5/10

Lebogang Manyama

His free signing brought much excitement. The player had won PSL Footballer of the Season just 15 months earlier and would be reunited with former Ajax Cape Town teammate, Billiat. However, it’s been a really frustrating campaign. Used as a winger by Solinas, he had little impact on games and struggled to last the full 90 minutes before a car accident saw him on the treatment table. Under the German coach, he has looked much fitter and more involved from a central role, often playing slightly deeper to get more touches on the ball. Just as he was starting to hit his stride, he suffered a knee injury to end his season with just one assist and a single goal (vs. Zimamoto) to his name. 5/10

Joseph Molangoane

The diminutive winger has made just one appearance this season. He started the MTN8 game against Free State Stars, providing an assist. However, he suffered a broken leg in the match and is only now making his way back to fitness. No rating