03 September 2019, by: Hansley Jugar

PSL TEAM OF THE MONTH – AUGUST

The PSL season is in full swing and after four matchdays, Kaizer Chiefs find themselves sitting pretty at the top. This promises to be another exhilarating season of football and we have picked our 11 favourite performers from August.

George Chigova has been instrumental to Polokwane City’s great start to the season, 2 clean sheets in 3 games is the best record in the league so far. He missed the midweek draw versus Chippa United but should be back for City’s MTN 8 semi-final against Highlands Park in what promises to be an entertaining game between the two dark horses.

Hlatshwayo proved once again why he is one of the best defenders in the country. He has not only been terrific at the back but has added goals to his game with 2 in 4 games. After being linked to Orlando Pirates for a large part of the transfer window, he has proved his loyalty by signing a new contract with Bidvest Wits. Can he lead them to another PSL trophy?

‘Rise and Shine’ have struggled for goals so far this season but their defensive solidity has been integral to them maintaining a good position on the log. Sibusiso Mbonani and Nicholas Motloung have formed one of the best centre-back partnerships in the league. Mbonani also scored the winner against Black Leopards in Matchday 1.

Are Kaizer Chiefs serious contenders this season or is this just a flash in the pan? Regardless, Eric Mathoho seems to be back to his imperious self. 2 goals in 4 games has him tied as the highest goal-scoring defender in the league and he will be important to Chiefs’ ambitions this season.

Before the beginning of the season, Keegan Ritchie had made a total of 25 appearances in 5 seasons. A journeyman that never really seemed to stay in one place for long, he seems to have finally found a home and more importantly, form. He has started all 4 games for Wits so far this season, even coming up with an assist in Matchday 1.

Deon Hotto was undoubtedly one of the stars of last season. He averaged over 1 attacking contribution every other game and is not showing signs of slowing down. He has been unlucky to have not grabbed any assists so far this season, but his 2 goals have him tied as one of the highest goal-scoring midfielders.

It has only been a month, but we have already seen a contender for goal of the season from Hlompho Kekana. He almost scored another midweek and continues to show week in and out that he is the best central midfielder in the country. He is tied 1st for most attacking contributions by a midfielder this season.

Chiefs struggled for goals last season and a lot of the blame must be placed on their creative players. Lebogang Manyama’s return to fitness has seen a huge upturn in their attacking performances and form. A fully-fit and firing Manyama (along with Khama Billiat) can help catapult Chiefs back to glory

Cape Town City lost their first game of the season this week after conceding 2 late goals to Kaizer Chiefs. Having played Mamelodi Sundowns as well in Matchday 3, their schedule looks highly favourable and Kermit Erasmus will be eager to add on to the 2 goals he has scored so far.

With 4 goals to his name, Bradley Grobler has now surpassed the number of goals he scored in each of the past 4 seasons respectively. Including his one assist, he has the most attacking contributions in the league. SuperSport United will hope he can maintain this level of performances.

The PSL season may only be a month in but Peter Shalulile has shown enough to suggest he can be a contender for the top goalscorer award. He has 4 attacking contributions and has contributed in all but one game.

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