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Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

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

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

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

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

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

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

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

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

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

Top 10 Central Midfielders in the PSL in the 2020/21 Season

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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Pre-Lockdown Absa Premiership Awards

If the PSL would have declared an end to the season after the lockdown, these are the players who would have snapped up the Absa Premiership awards: 

Absa Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season:

Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United) – Williams was has been the most consistent keeper in the league again this season. He has bailed his ageing defence out on may occasions. 👴🏿

Absa Premiership Defender of the Season:

Eric Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs) – I thought Eric Mathoho was finished. 💀

For the past couple of years, Mathoho missed games due to injuries and dip in form. Mulomowandau used to dominate opposition players on the ground and in the air. But, not anymore.

This season, however, he is back to his old self. Mathoho is a very important player in Ernst Middendorps log leading team. His defending has been sublime, when not in the team his absence has been felt, and he has even pitched in with a couple of important goals. 

Absa Premiership Young Player of the Season:

Sipho Mbule (SuperSport United) – Sipho Mbule has had a breakout season. Mbule is a highly skilled midfielder. He has an excellent range of passing, a very good setpiece taker, and has a sprinkle of flair to his game. 


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Absa Premiership Midfielder of the Season:

Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United) – At only 23, Mokoena has a bright future.  Being one of the best players at a position that takes years to master is a testament to his talent. Mokoena is technically sound and his work rate both in attack and defence is excellent. Let’s hope he gets a move abroad sooner rather than later. ✈️

Absa Premiership Goal of the Season:

Cole Alexander (Bidvest Wits)

Enough said. 

Absa Premiership Top Goal Scorer:

Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates) – Mhango moved from to Pirates from Bidvest WIts this season. It didn’t seem as though he was Gavin Hunt’s cup of tea beside the obvious talent. ☕

Mhango had to fight his place in the first Pirates team. Mhango now could be the Buccaneers most important player due to the goals he scores. ☠️

Absa Premiership Coach of the Season:

Ernst Middendorp (Kaizer Chiefs) – Don’t lie Kaizer Chiefs supporters, don’t act like you were all juiced up when you heard Chiefs brought Middendorp back to be your coach.

Mazinyo did okay in his stint from 2005-2007 but some fans still blame him for the departure of Scara Ngobese from Chiefs. That’s another story for another day.  📅

Like him or not you’d have to admit, Middendorp has improved as a coach. He doesn’t have the most talented team but it functions well as a unit. 

Absa Premiership Player’s Player of the Year:

I do not know who the players would have voted for as their player of the season. 🤷🏿‍♂️

But, most of the time it ends up being the same player as the: 

Absa Premiership Footballer of the Season:

Lebogang Manyama (Kaizer Chiefs) – Manyama another player who resurrected his career this season. He has on occasion single-handedly won a game for Chiefs. He is intelligent, skilful, can pick a through ball and scores occasionally.

Ernst Middendorp has given him the keys to the Chiefs offensive and he has single-handedly driven it to the top of the standings. He is the footballer of the season. 🗝️

Well, sort of…