A few years ago, the Premier Soccer League was purported to be among the Top 10 leagues in the world. PSL bosses were basking in the glory and would remind us at every turn about this remarkable achievement. Some of us laughed off the
proclamation.
Now, about a decade later, in the exciting Fifa Club World Cup that’s currently taking place in the US, South Africa was well represented, and the players really flew the flag high among some of the biggest football brands in the world such as Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus.
Sunday World takes a look at some of the PSL stars and products who left a mark at the biggest club football stage in the world.
- Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns): The Brazilians striker definitely hit the ground running after he joined the PSL champions from Stellenbosch FC at the beginning of last season.
The Capetonian was unlucky when a couple of his goals at the Club World Cup were cancelled and ruled out by the video assistant referee. But nonetheless, he was able to score two goals against Ulsan HD and Borusia Dortmund.
- Thembinkosi Lorch (Wydad Athletic): The former Buccaneer’s career had taken a serious nosedive when he crossed the floor and joined Sundowns. He had become a permanent fixture on the bench after coach Rulani Mokwena, the man who had brought him to Downs from the Bucs, joined Wydad in Morocco.
Mokwena has left the club, but Lorch is turning it on, and Wydad might go for a permanent move. He played a blinder in the Club World Cup and had some of the most impressive statistics in their opening match against Manchester City.
- Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns): The 26-year-old Brazilian could not have imagined how his stock would rise so much since he joined the SA champions.
He arrived as an unknown entity but in the two years he’s been in the PSL, he has torn apart many teams and is en route to being named PSL Footballer of the Season. People in Brazil are beginning to take notice of his skills and his penchant for world-class goals.
At the Club World Cup, he opened against Borussia Dortmund with a powerful solo run from his own half before he sliced the ball into the net with a powerful shot. Sundowns may just struggle to hold on to the dribbling wizard, with the vultures already circling to swoop on the deadly attacking midfielder.
- Cassius Mailula (Wydad Athletic): Mailula may not have had a barnstorming game against Manchester City but he justified why the new Wydad coach opted for him in the starting line-up.
Mailula would be keen if Wydad and Toronto could negotiate and agree on a permanent transfer to north Africa. He made a suicidal career move to the US, and he was really struggling for game in the MLS. Mailula, just like Lorch, will be thankful for how Mokwena has revived their careers.
- Elias Mokwana (Esperance): The former Sekhukhune United and the Bafana Bafana attacking player also enjoyed himself with some nice touches for Esperance. They did not go far in the tournament, but Mokwana would have gained invaluable experience, which will put a smile on the face of South African coach Hugo Broos.
Mokwana might also get a couple of suitors for his exploits.
