While some footballers will be looking to build on impressive campaigns, others face added pressure to prove they belong at the highest level.

Several players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) have shown flashes of quality over the years but have either struggled with consistency, failed to meet expectations, or found opportunities limited. The new season presents them with a chance to silence their critics and establish themselves as key figures for their respective clubs.

Boitumelo Radiopane - Orlando Pirates

The Orlando Pirates academy graduate has long been tipped to become the club's next prolific striker, but he has yet to live up to that billing.

Radiopane earned promotion to the first team after an outstanding DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) campaign in 2021/22, where he scored a record 24 goals. However, despite the faith shown in him by different coaches, the striker has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and consistent goalscorer. This season could be crucial for his future at the Buccaneers.

Mfundo Vilakazi - Kaizer Chiefs

Consistency has been the biggest challenge for Vilakazi, while limited game time has also slowed his development at Kaizer Chiefs.

The gifted attacker is widely regarded as one of the players capable of helping restore Amakhosi to their former glory. He showed glimpses of his immense talent last season and carried that form into pre-season, scoring the winning goal against Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup before being named Man of the Match.

With new coach Fernando da Cruz publicly expressing confidence in him, Vilakazi now has the perfect opportunity to repay that faith.

Lebo Mothiba - Mamelodi Sundowns

Lebo Mothiba returned to South African football with plenty of expectations after spending several years in Europe, but regular game time has been hard to come by at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Coach Miguel Cardoso has preferred Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners in attack, leaving the former Bafana Bafana striker with limited opportunities. The new campaign offers Mothiba a fresh chance to fight for his place and prove he still has what it takes to lead the line for one of the country's biggest clubs.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba - Stellenbosch

After an unsuccessful spell at Orlando Pirates, Sinoxolo Kwayiba revived his career upon returning to Chippa United, where his goals played a key role in helping the club avoid relegation.

His impressive performances earned him a move to Stellenbosch FC, where he will once again be tasked with proving he can consistently deliver in front of goal. A strong season could finally establish him as one of the league's top forwards.

Omega Mdaka - AmaZulu

Former Kaizer Chiefs youth product Omega Mdaka has reunited with his former academy coach Arthur Zwane at AmaZulu, where expectations will be high.

The left-back joined Usuthu after a solid spell with Stellenbosch, and the move presents him with the opportunity to justify Zwane's decision to bring him to Durban. Consistent performances could see Mdaka establish himself as one of the league's most reliable full-backs.

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