South Africa continues to produce some of the finest talents on the continent, but who are the most exciting for fans? Ask Dylan Appolis.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG (ORLANDO PIRATES)
Born: 23 October 2004
Position: Left winger
The 20-year-old is currently on the books of Orlando Pirates and following his first full season with The Buccaneers, he did not disappoint.
The gifted winger made a name for himself last season by playing a crucial role in their success while scoring five goals and creating six in 38 appearances in all competitions.
Mofokeng has already showcased his versatility, skills and composure while putting on solid performances, and although he has already earned national team recognition, Mofokeng could play a crucial role in Bafana’s offensive line for years to come.
EMILE WITBOOI (CAPE TOWN CITY)
Born: 28 August 2008
Position: Central midfielder
Emile Witbooi is the son of former Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns star Surprise Ralani and is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the country.
He is a skilful player much like his father and has the ability to not only score goals but create opportunities for others, which saw him get a call up to start training with the City first team.
Witbooi’s talent is undeniable and if he continues to hone his craft, Bafana Bafana will come knocking as he already has experience playing for the South African under-17 national team.
SHANDRE CAMPBELL (CLUB BRUGGE)
Born: 15 July 2005
Position: Left winger
Shandre Campbell was the name on everybody’s lips following his scintillating performances for SuperSport United, where he scored five goals and grabbed six assists in 30 appearances during the 2023/24 season.
The 19-year-old has the ability to quickly adapt to the game, shows exceptional maturity and composure on and off the ball, which has secured him a move to Belgian outfit Club NXT, the reserve side of giants Club Brugge.
He has been selected in the UEFA Champions League squad of the Belgians and could get a run in this year’s competition.
The talented winger has not yet earned a call up to the national team but it is inevitable that his time will come.
DEVIN TITUS (STELLENBOSCH FC)
Born: 18 May 2000
Position: Right winger
Titus was one of the leading figures and standout performers for Stellenbosch FC during the 2023/24 season.
Despite only being 24-years-old, Titus has racked up enough experience and is known for his scoring ability, which worked in Stellies’ favour last season after he bagged 12 goals and created three assists in 39 appearances as they fought Mamelodi Sundowns for top spot in the league as well as playing a crucial role in helping his side claim the Carling Knockout trophy.
The highly-rated winger has already been called up to the national team and played in the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
JAEDIN RHODES (CAPE TOWN CITY)
Born: 11 April 2003
Position: Attacking midfielder
Rhodes has been exceptional for Cape Town City and cemented his place in the starting lineup, scoring six goals in 32 appearances the previous season.
The attacking midfielder has constantly shown why he is one of the main players in the squad as he carries himself like a seasoned player, shows his consistency, and he is a very active in the final third, whether its scoring or creating goals.
Rhodes also got a call-up for the COSAFA Cup and will likely stamp his authority in the middle of the park in the coming years as he shows all the qualities of a top player.
OSWIN APPOLLIS (POLOKWANE CITY)
Born: 25 August 2001
Position: Left winger
Appollis was the standout player for Polokwane City last campaign and played a key role in helping Rise and Shine secure a top-eight finish in the league after netting seven goals and five assists in 31 appearances.
The winger was a consistent performer for his club and turned his success over to the national team, having already chipped in with a few goals and an assist in a handful of appearances for the national team.
Appollis continues to shine and looks to be getting better and more confident with every match he played and having already made a great impression in the national team, he has staked his claim that he is there to stay for the long run.
NOTABLE MENTIONS
THAPELO MASEKO (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS)
Born: 11 November 2003
Position: Left winger
IME OKON (SUPERSPORT UNITED)
Born: 20 February 2004
Position: Centre-back
ASANELE VELEBAYI (CAPE TOWN SPURS)
Born: 11 December 2002
Position: Right winger
LUKE BAARTMAN (CAPE TOWN SPURS)
Born: 12 June 2006
Position: Centre forward
MFUNDO VILAKAZI (KAIZER CHIEFS)
Born: 19 November 2005
Position: Attacking midfielder
