Mamelodi Sundowns prodigy Cassius Mailula’s string of impressive performances has spotlighted some wondrous displays by academy products lighting up the Premier Soccer League in recent seasons.
Mailula’s latest eye-catching display came when Sundowns beat Richards Bay FC, scoring one of the two goals in a 2-0 win. But he isn’t the only one cooking this season.
News24 Sport has put together a list of young DStv Premiership academy graduates with a high ceiling who have already made an impact in South African football.
Here are the five hottest academy products that made their professional debuts in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons:
Cassius Mailula, Sundowns
PSL debut: 7 September 2022 vs Chippa United
Mailula is a 21-year-old attacking midfielder that comes from the Chloorkop talent hub. Having made his debut against Chippa United in early September of this season, the academy graduate has impressed with his performances and has already managed to score five goals. Mailula has represented South Africa at the U23 level.
Samkelo Zwane, Kaizer Chiefs
PSL debut: 9 October 2022 vs Stellenbosch FC
Samkelo Zwane is a 21-year-old defensive Kaizer Chiefs midfielder. He is an academy graduate of the club and was part of the DStv Diski Challenge team but was given an opportunity to make his professional debut in October 2022.
Zwane has since made two more appearances for Amakhosi. The youngster also made his debut for the South Africa U23 team this season.
Ronaldo Maarman, Chippa United
PSL debut: 7 August 2022 vs SuperSport United
Ronaldo Maarman is a 23-year-old attacking midfielder. Maarman made his debut for Chippa United against SuperSport United on the opening matchday of this season. He has three goals to his name in his first nine league matches.
Khanyisa Mayo, Cape Town City
PSL debut: 21 August 2021 vs SuperSport United
Khanyisa Mayo is experiencing his second season in the Premiership. Mayo made his debut in August 2021. Having played 23 league matches in his first season, he scored four goals. In his second season, he has already matched that four-goal tally in 14 appearances.
Antonio van Wyk, Stellenbosch FC
PSL debut: 21 August 2021 vs Orlando Pirates
Antonio van Wyk is a 20-year-old right winger for Stellenbosch. The academy graduate is enjoying his second season at the top level of South African football. Van Wyk has scored two goals and provided two assists in 13 appearances so far this season, improving on his tally of just two assists in all of last season.
