By 
Relebohile Mofokeng etched his name into South African football lore on Monday evening, sweeping the flagship accolades at the 2025/26 PSL Awards following a scintillating campaign with Orlando Pirates.
The 21-year-old superstar—who has already secured a blockbuster move abroad—capped off a fairy-tale season by walking away with the crown jewel of the night, the prestigious PSL Footballer of the Season award. Demonstrating the sheer respect he commands among both his peers and opponents, Mofokeng was also voted the Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season and claimed the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season title.
Mofokeng’s personal triumph reflected a wider night of celebration for league champions Orlando Pirates, who completely dominated the Betway Premiership categories. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was rightfully named Betway Premiership Coach of the Season after guiding the Buccaneers to league glory. Pirates’ defensive and tactical solidity was highlighted through individual triumphs: Sipho Chaine took home Goalkeeper of the Season, Lebone Seema earned Defender of the Season, Oswin Appollis was named Midfielder of the Season, and Camren Dansin bagged the Goal of the Season award.
The Sea Robbers’ influence extended into the domestic cup competitions as well. Tshepang Moremi walked away as the MTN8 Last Man Standing, while former Pirates player Mbekezeli Mbokazi was recognized as the Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament.
Beyond the Soweto giants’ grand sweep, the ceremony honoured remarkable stories across the domestic landscape. Veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet signed off on his professional career in fairytale fashion, earning the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament award after delivering a pivotal role in Durban City’s sensational cup triumph. TS Galaxy’s emerging talent, Seluleko Mahlambi, was handed the Most Promising Player of the Tournament accolade for his standout displays in the same competition.
In the lower division, Cape Town City dominated the Motsepe Foundation Championship category, sweeping all major honours. Emile Witbooi picked up the Players’ Player of the Season, Gabriel Armato secured the Young Player of the Season, and Mickey van der Hart was crowned Goalkeeper of the Season.
Meanwhile, in youth development, Mamelodi Sundowns starlet Bennet Mokoena capped an impressive campaign in the DStv Diski Challenge. Mokoena did the double by taking home both the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season and the Top Goal Scorer awards.
The men in the middle were also acknowledged for their crucial roles throughout the season, with Eugene Mdluli named Referee of the Season and Nandipha Menze taking home Assistant Referee of the Season.
