In the latest edition of the iDiski Times newspaper, we took a look at some of the players we’ve yet to really see for numerous reasons this DStv Premiership season, and who could make an impact when the league resumes.
Rob Delport broke down each team and looked at how a number of higher-profile players have been missing in action in the 2022/2023 campaign, but they will be hoping to be fit or challenging for regular football when the league resumes on the 30th of December.
Mamelodi Sundowns
The defending champions and current log leaders have a big squad, and only two players, Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena have played in all 12 games for the club. But there have been a lot of notable absentees. Chief amongst those is Rivaldo Coetzee, who has not featured at all this campaign, though did make the bench once. Coetzee is arguably one of the most talented footballers in the country, and his return will be good for both club and country. But he’s not the only one at Chloorkop who is yet to taste league action. With Williams ever-present, the veterans Denis Onyango and Kennedy Mweene (and other top keepers like Reyaad Pieterse and Jody February) haven’t had any action. Neither has Gift Motupa, or new Moroccan signing Abdelmounaim Boutouil, while other recent recruits Terrence Mashego and Bongani Zungu only have a few minutes under their belts so far, as do Lebohang Maboe and Lesedi Kapinga. While we’re eager to see some of these guys get more time in the second half of the season, we’re pretty sure Sundowns’ opponents won’t be.
Kaizer Chiefs
There are a few players at Chiefs this season we haven’t seen much of, but that could also be due to the change of guard and the new direction the club is going in. Austin Dube’s lack of involvement points to a possible exit, but we wonder if we’ll see more of Erick Mathoho and Happy Mashiane, who are both yet to start a game, and only each have one league appearance off the bench. Phathutshedzo Nange also has only featured once, while one of their new signings, Kamohelo Mahlatsi has only made two brief sub appearances. While those are better-known names, we also hope we see more of the trio of youngsters who Arthur Zwane has given cameo appearances to, namely Mduduzi Shabalala, Samkelo Zwane and Sabelo Radebe.
Orlando Pirates
There’s a keen sense of intrigue to see how Evidence Makgopa fares at Pirates, but we’re yet to see the former Baroka man in action in the black and white. Injuries have delayed the Bafana Bafana striker’s debut, but he should get his chance in the near future. The 22-year-old has been on the bench twice and offers something unique to South African football, and we’re looking forward to see how Jose Riveiro uses him. While Thembinkosi Lorch has featured in five games, we’re pretty sure if it weren’t for injuries, we’d have seen a lot more of him this campaign, and we’re sure Pirates fans are looking forward to seeing what he can offer alongside man of the moment, Monnapule Saleng (who has also only featured in five league games, so we’re quite keen to see more of him too).
You can see who’s been ‘Missing In Action’ from all the other 13 DStv Premiership teams in this feature brought to you by DStv in this week’s Digital Edition of iDiski Times.
