CAPE TOWN - With it shaping up to be an extremely tight finish in the race to be crowned champions of the PSL this season, the eventual destination of the league trophy is likely to depend on how the title-contenders react during critical, match-defining situations.
While it is a given that teamwork is crucial to any club with designs on the title, there is also no doubt that the difference between winning and losing often hinges on exciting, flair individuals.
Players with the X-factor, who are able to craft something out of nothing, capable of turning a hopeless situation into a goal-scoring one.
The eventual winner will emerge from one of Cape Town City, Wits, Kaizer Chiefs or defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Each of these teams have a footballer with the required X-factor:
Lebogang Manyama (Cape Town City)
Arguably, the best player on show in the PSL this season. The City skipper has been at his creative best and is the cog around which the Cape side’s success turns. Blessed with an instinctive eye for an opening, superb, tricky feet and a clinical finisher too boot, if City are to win the league title, then, rest assured, Manyama will have a huge say in the outcome.
But, while the influential footballer’s individual quality is crucial, it’s also his inter-play and combination with teammates that make City such a deadly team. Manyama, in tandem with players like Aubrey Ngoma and Bhongolethu Jayiya, provides a real headache for opposition defences.
Phakamani Mahlambi (Wits)
There is no questioning the talent and ability of 19-year-old Mahlambi. The Wits winger is a really special footballer, with pace, dribbling skill and confidence to burn. If there is a question mark, then it has to do with his inconsistency. But, considering that he has recently returned from a lengthy injury, the consistent performances will, no doubt, come with time.
Against City on Wednesday, Mahlambi gave note that he is ready to terrorise defenders, and do justice to his potential, when he troubled the Capetonians whenever he was in possession. Wits are known for their defensive structure and organisation, but, in Mahlambi, they have a player with the individual, attacking prowess so vital to any team wanting to win a league title.
Percy Tau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
If there is to be a player challenging Manyama for PSL player of the year, it is likely to be 22-year-old Tau. The Sundowns striker has really come to prominence this season and was particularly brilliant as the Pretoria club showered glory on the local game by winning the prestigious African Champions League.
It’s not just Tau’s goals that have caught the eye, but also his all-round, energetic and intelligent play which have endeared him to football followers. No doubt, if Sundowns are to go all the way and win the PSL title again, Tau’s performances could well prove to be the catalyst for such a triumph.
Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)
He may be 32 years old now, but the evergreen Tshabalala is still the beating heart of Chiefs’ creativity. He is still the spark that ignites the Soweto club from an offensive perspective.
He is still the player capable of manufacturing something threatening when it appears that nothing is on. The current Amakhosi squad has really come good under coach Steve Komphela, in that they are compact, cohesive and defensively sound.
But, because of that, the team needs a player with something different, with flair and skill, and Tshabalala is still that man – the player the team looks to when they need an injection of invention.