With the 2020-21 DSTV Premiership campaign drawing to a close, we decided to rank the very best players in the league. This week we start with ranking the best central midfielders in the PSL.
We’ll rank each player on four abilities that are important for every central midfielder.
Tactically: Positioning, availability to receive the ball, finding space and work rate.
Technically: Ball control, long and short passes, vision, shooting, and strength on the ball.
Attack: Ability to create chances and score goals.
Defence: Ability to break up opposition attacks, tackle and recover to assist the defence.
10. Siyethemba Sithebe
Over the seasons Siyethemba Sithebe was known to be more of a number 10. But, this season Amazulu coach Benni McCarthy has played him more like a 6 alongside Makhehlene Makhaula. He is still learning the position but he has played well enough to earn a spot in the top 10 central midfielders in the PSL.
Tactically: 6/10
Technically: 6/10
Attack: 8/10
Defence: 6/10
= 26/40
9. Gladwin Shitolo
Gladwin Shitolo is a versatile midfielder. In his previous teams, he has played as a central defender and as a full-back but his best position is as a defensive midfielder. Shitolo’s primary role is to act as a shield to the Golden Arrows defence and goalkeeper, harrying attackers and committing fouls
Tactically: 7/10
Technically: 6/10
Attack: 6/10
Defence: 8/10
= 27/40
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8. Musa Nyatama
Musa Nyatama is the oldest player on this list which means he has a lot of experience. In his younger days, Nyatama was an attacking midfielder. He converted into a holding midfielder in latter years and played his best football in the position under coach Milutin Sredojević at Orlando Pirates from 2017-2020. Nyatama now controls the midfield of Moroka Swallows. A team that has performed better than expected in their first season back in the PSL after 6 seasons.
Tactically: 8/10
Technically: 7/10
Attack: 7/10
Defence: 7/10
= 29/40
7. Thabo Nodada
Thabo Nodada has performed well in an underwhelming season for the Citizens. He is skilful, incredible in attack, useful in defence and packs a powerful shot.
Tactically: 7/10
Technically: 8/10
Attack: 8/10
Defence: 7/10
= 30/40
6. Sipho Mbule
One of the youngest players on this list and one of the most sort after. He is technically very good. His technic of passing and setpieces are exceptional and he pitches in with goals too. Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are said to be preparing million rand bids for the youngster.
Tactically: 7/10
Technically: 8/10
Attack: 8/10
Defence: 7/10
= 30/10
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5. Ben Motshwari
Ben Motshwari is the best performer in a disappointing season for Orlando Pirates. His play has even seen him being called up to Bafana Bafana. Ben provides a link between the defence and midfield and most of Orlando Pirates attacks tend to stem from his feet. Motshwari isn’t much of a goal-scoring threat but he does get into positions where the opponents defence has to be cognisant of his presence.
Tactically: 8/10
Technically: 7/10
Attack: 6/10
Defence: 9/10
= 30/40
4. Sphelele Mkhulise
Sphelele Mkhulise was more of a winger when Pitso Mosimane was boss. However, the three head coaches of Mamelodi Sundowns this season, have found him to be more effective in the midfield. He can carry the ball into the final third, link-up play with his front three, create goalscoring opportunities, and score a few chances himself.
Tactically: 8/10
Technically: 8/10
Attack: 8/10
Defence: 7/10
= 31/40
3. Makhehlene Makhaula
The surprise of this list is surely this man. Makhehlene Makhaula. He is 31 years old and hasn’t had an outstanding career but this season, under coach Benni, he has been incredible. Makhaula is the connector of Amazulu’s defence and attack. Everything is run through him. He is an option in attack and a disruptor in defence.
Tactically: 8/10
Technically: 8/10
Attack: 8/10
Defence: 8/10
= 32/10
2. Rivaldo Coetzee
Everybody who has seen Rivaldo Coetzee play knows he is talented. But injuries kept him off the field for long stretches. When then-Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane experimented by playing him in the midfield instead of his accustomed central defensive position many people were dumbfounded.
To be honest, he struggled. He didn’t know the position and it showed. This season he improved drastically and he is now one of the best central midfielders in the PSL. His technique of passing is neat and tidy. As Down’s defensive midfielder he reads the danger and snuffs it out, he rarely caught out of position.
Tactically: 9/10
Technically: 9/10
Attack: 6/10
Defence: 9/10
= 33/40
1. Teboho Mokoena
The young Teboho Mokoena is the best central midfielder in the PSL right now. He controls the tempo of the game from his midfield position, he makes good decisions and is always available to receive the ball. He surges into the final third to assist the attack whilst balancing it out with his defensive responsibilities.
Tactically: 9/10
Technically: 9/10
Attack: 8/10
Defence: 8/10
= 34/10
By Cheez
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