Champions Pirates expected to make a clean sweep at the PSL Awards

Champions Pirates expected to make a clean sweep at the PSL Awards — JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 11: Oswin Appollis of the Orlando Pirates celebrates scoring a goal during the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay at Orlando Amstel Arena on March 11, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

After years of trying and near misses, Orlando Pirates finally dumped the tag of being a bridesmaid in the dustbin after they knocked Mamelodi Sundowns from the summit of the PSL mountain, and getting the crown as the 2025/26 Betway Premiership league champions.

Not only did the Buccaneers take their place at the top of the table, but they did it in style as they registered a rare treble in the Betway Premiership – lifting the league title, MTN8 and the Carling Knockout trophy.

After a swashbuckling season, the Buccaneers, led by the tantalising Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Tshepang Moremi, will be among the biggest winners after they were nominated in numerous categories. Tomorrow, the PSL will announce the winners after a list of nominees was released a few weeks ago.

The PSL Footballer of the Season:

This award will be contested by Appollis and Mofokeng, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena. The trio were nominated by the head coaches of the 16 Premier Division clubs.

Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season:

Appollis and Mofokeng have also earned nominations in the category, where they are joined by their Pirates teammate Kamogelo Sebelebele. The award is voted for by players across all Betway Premiership clubs.

Betway Premiership Coach of the Season:

The nominees for the award are Miguel Cardoso (Sundowns), Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef (Kaizer Chiefs), and Abdeslam Ouaddou (Pirates). Ouaddou is the automatic winner.

Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season:

The race for the award features Isaac Cisse (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Seluleko Mahlambi (TS Galaxy) and Mofokeng (Pirates).

Betway Premiership Goal of the Season:

Camren Dansin (Pirates) Glody Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs) Siyanda Ndlovu (Lamontville Golden Arrows)

Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season:

Sipho Chaine (Pirates) Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC) Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)

Betway Premiership Defender of the Season:

Khuliso Mudau (Sundowns) Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates)

Motsepe Foundation Championship Players’ Player of the Season:

In the category, Khethukuthula Ndlovu (Kruger United), Ronaldo van Neel (Hungry Lions) and Emile Witbooi (Cape Town City) have earned nominations following impressive campaigns.

MTN8 Last Man Standing:

Champions Pirates account for all three nominees in the category, with Appollis, Sebelebele and Moremi making the shortlist.

The Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament:

This category features Washington Arubi and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo of Marumo Gallants, together with Mbekezeli Mbokazi (formerly of Pirates).

Nedbank Player of the Tournament:

The Nedbank Cup campaign is reflected in the Player of the Tournament category, where Darren Keet, Siphamandla Ncanana and Brooklyn Poggenpoel have all been nominated. In the race for the Most Promising Player of the Tournament award, Durban City teammates Kyle Jurgens and Luphumlo Sifumba are joined by Mahlambi of TS Galaxy.

DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season:

The shortlist features Bennet Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns, together with Pirates duo Lebo Mohlala and Mpho Padime. The full list of nominees is attached.

PSL Assistant Referee of the Season:

Nandipha Menze, Elphas Sitole, Zakhele Siwela

PSL Referee of the Season:

Moreki Lekwape, Eugene Mdluli, Abongile Tom

Top Goal Scorers: DStv Diski Challenge:

Bennet Mokoena (Sundowns)

Motsepe Foundation Championship:

Ntuthuko Mlotshwa (Lerumo Lions) and Ronaldo Van Neel (Hungry Lions)

Betway Premiership:

Sede Junior Dion (Golden Arrows)

Kgomotso Mokoena

Orlando Pirates clinched the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title, ending years of near misses and winning a rare treble including the league, MTN8, and Carling Knockout trophy.
Key Pirates players Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Kamogelo Sebelebele, and Tshepang Moremi received multiple PSL award nominations.
Appollis and Mofokeng are nominated for PSL Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, while coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is favored for Coach of the Season.
Pirates players dominate other categories including Young Player, Goal of the Season, Goalkeeper, and Defender of the Season, as well as MTN8 and Carling Knockout awards.
Other notable nominees and award categories include Motsepe Foundation Championship Players' Player, Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament, DStv Diski Challenge players, and PSL referees.

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