The Bucs forward was the best last season in front of the goal and is expected to push for another award in the forthcoming edition.
The anticipated 2024/25 Premier Soccer League is finally kicking off this weekend with some entertaining games on the cards.
Kaizer Chiefs hope to start the new era under coach Nasreddine Nabi positively when they make a trip to Bloemfontein to play Marumo Gallants. Orlando Pirates, who finished second last season, will host Chippa United.
However, eyes will be on the Tshwane Derby between defending champions and SuperSport United who have made some good signings.
As teams chase their targets, strikers will be pushing for the Golden Boot, and here are potential candidates for the individual award.
Oswin Appollis – Polokwane City
The 23-year-old was one of the strong performers for Polokwane last year. His six goals in the Premier soccer league with three assists helped his team finish in the top-eight bracket and qualify for the MTN8.
He has been linked with a move to Algeria in the ongoing campaign, but in case it doesn't happen, Appollis might have a point to prove in Mzansi.
Peter Shalulile – Mamelodi Sundowns
Surely, Shalulile can't be left out in this list thanks to his ruthlesness in front of the goal. The most recent edition wasn't his best, he struggled for goals and managed to get just nine despite his quality.
The Namibia international missed a good number of matches due to injuries but it seems he is good now. The signing of Arthur Sales and Rayners might awaken his innermost beast.
Devin Titus – Stellenbosch
The 24-year-old scored six goals with two assists in the 2022/23 campaign, and in the most recent one, he managed to find the back of the net seven times and provided three assists as well.
With Iqraam Rayners leaving for Mamelodi Sundowns, Titus might get more goals if the recent trend is anything to consider. He is more experienced now and will be a little selfish in the final third. Expect a good season from Titus.
Chibuike Ohizu – Sekhukhune United
The Nigeria import struggled for goals in the latter stages of the 2023/24 season but had done enough to help his team finish fourth on the league table and seal a place in the Caf Confederation Cup.
His eight goals underlined his potential having scored just five in the previous campaign for Babina Noko. He has attracted serious interest from North Africa, but if he doesn't leave, he will be crucial for his club.
Lucas Ribeiro – Mamelodi Sundowns
In his debut season, the South American played a crucial role in the early stages of the campaign to help Masandawana to successfully defend the league.
He missed several games owing to an injury, but still found the back of the net 12 times. The good thing about him is that he can play from the wing or behind the striker and still make an impact. So the signing of Rayners doesn't really limit his chances of getting play time regularly.
Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns
Rayners defied the odds to dine with the big boys in the race for the Golden Boot last season. The Bafana Bafana international scored five goals against Polokwane to become just the second player in the Premier Soccer League history to achieve the fete.
He can play as a twin-striker or from the wing; having quality players surrounding him will be a plus because chances will be many for him.
Tshegofatso Mabasa – Orlando Pirates
Mabasa exploded in the 2023 campaign; he started on a high at Moroka Swallows where he was playing on loan, before concluding at Pirates.
He already has shown the potential to continue from where he stopped, but the only question will be whether he can score 16 goals or more in the forthcoming edition.
