The stage is set for the promotion-relegation play-offs as University of Pretoria, Baroka and Richards Bay will be battling it out in their quest to ply their trade in the DStv Premier Soccer League (PSL) topflight next season.
Fellow Motsepe Foundation Championship counterparts Baroka and University of Pretoria will set the tone and kick off the 2023/24 playoffs this afternoon at the Tuks Stadium in the capital at 3 pm.
Joining the two first division teams is DStv Premiership outfit Richards Bay, who will be desperate to save their status and use their experience to their advantage throughout the playoffs.
Sunday World looks at some of the players that will be key from all three clubs during the playoffs:
Khomotjo Lekoloane (Baroka)
The 23-year-old midfielder has been one of the most exciting players in the Championship this season.
Lekoloane raked up 27 appearances and scored six goals, with his last goal for Bakgakga coming against AmaTuks during their crucial 1-1 draw last league match.
Thabang Sibanyoni (AmaTuks)
A striker, who is on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, Thabang Sibanyoni has been in red-hot form for AmaTuks this season.
Sibanyoni has eight goals under his belt and will look to continue his goal scoring form and lead the Tshwane side to promotion glory after eight years out of the PSL.
Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay)
Yanela Mbuthuma was one of the exciting emerging talents in the DStv Premiership this season for Richards Bay.
The 22-year-old caused a lot of trouble and was a menace to many defenders who came up against him.
Ananias Gebhardt (Baroka)
Veteran Namibian international defender and Baroka captain Ananias Gebhardt should see his experience come in handy for Baroka, as he will be battling against young and speedy attackers.
Gebhardt is a Baroka legend with more than 150 caps and will be looking to steer the Limpopo-based outfit back to the top flight after they suffered automatic relegation in 2022.
Salim Jamal Magoola (Richards Bay)
Despite having a topsy-turvy season with the Natal Rich Boys, Salim Magoola was one of the exciting goalkeepers in the DStv Premiership in the campaign just concluded.
Magoola will be crucial in leading his last line of defence between the sticks and will look to help his side retain their topflight football.
Camagu Mdevulana (AmaTuks)
Another Mamelodi Sundowns loanee, Camagu Mdevulana has been exciting to watch throughout the season and will surely be one of the players who will be key throughout the playoffs.
Mdevulana’s impressive performances at AmaTuks have also seen Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena sing his praises and tips that he will be a future star in SA football.
PSL Playoff Full Fixture List:
Sunday, 2 June: AmaTuks v Baroka FC [Richards Bay – bye]
Wednesday, 5 June: Richards Bay v AmaTuks, [Baroka – bye]
Saturday, 8 June: Baroka FC v DStv Premiership Club, [AmaTuks – bye]
Wednesday, 12 June: Baroka FC v AmaTuks, [Richards Bay – bye]
Saturday, 15 June: AmaTuks v Richards Bay, [Baroka – bye]
Wednesday, 19 June: Richards Bay v Baroka FC, [AmaTuks – bye]
