Only one player logged every single minute in the DStv Premiership last season. Here is a look at top ten players with most minutes.
While Mamelodi Sundowns, the league champions, likely had players featuring in most games due to their participation in multiple competitions, however, just like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, none of their players appear in the following top 10 list for most minutes played in the DStv Premiership last season.
TOP 10 PLAYERS WITH MOST MINUTES IN 2023/24 DSTV PREMIERSHIP SEASON
1 – Macbeth Mahlangu (TS Galaxy) – 2700’
Only at 22, Mahlangu is the only player in the league who played each and every single minute in 30 DStv Premiership matches last season.
The left centre-back was among top defenders in the league last season with strong presence along with his captain Paseka Sanoka at the back.
Mahlangu has been with the Rockects for five years having joined the club in the 2019/20 season.
2 – Lebohang Nkaki (Polokwane City) – 2682’
The Polokwane City defender sits second in the list having also been a regular feature for the top-flight returnees Rise and Shine.
Nkaki also played 30 games but is just 18 minutes shy of Mahlangu.
The 30-year-old centre-back played 72 minutes in their 5-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC and was subbed off in the second half.
3 – Pogiso Sanoka (TS Galaxy) – 2624’
Sanoka, who wears the Rockets’ armband was colossal for the Mpumalanga-based side, offering great leadership qualities throughout the season.
The 32-year-old defender was taken off in the 14th minute against Polokwane City on 24 May due to injury. In other 29 matches, he played all the minutes.
4 – Darren Keet (Cape Town City) – 2610’
Keet is the first goalkeeper to appear on the list having played 29 matches (full 90 minutes) and only missing one game.
Cape Town City goal-minder was on the bench against AmaZulu FC when coach Eric Tinkler decided to field Bongani Mpandle.
– Gladwin Shitolo (Golden Arrows) – 2610’
It’s a tie for Shitolo and Keet. The Golden Arrows defender matched the Citizens' goalkeeper's playing time.
Shitolo played 29 matches (full 90 minutes) but the game where Arrows received a 3-0 walkover victory over Moroka Swallows was not counted.
6 – Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City) – 2609’
Last season's revelation, Matuludi, impressed so much that he's now attracting interest from some of the big clubs.
He’s just one minute shy of Shitolo and Keet.
Matuludi missed one game against Cape Town City in April. He was also subbed off in the 89th minute against Sundowns in their first round meeting in August.
7 – Bulelani Nikani (Polokwane City) – 2520’
Partner in crime of the second-placed Nkaki, Nikani was also one of the key players for the Limpopo outfit.
He played 28 matches (full 90 minutes), missing only two against SuperSport United and Moroka Swallows.
8 – Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu FC) – 2517’
Usuthu left-back has been consistent since joining the club from Chippa United in 2022. He has cemented the left-back position at AmaZulu.
Hanamub played 28 games missing two against Sekhukhune United and Cape Town Spurs. Meanwhile, among the games he played, a clash with Chippa was the only one he couldn’t finish as he was taken out in the 87th minute.
9 – Daniel Cardoso (Sekhukhune United) – 2430’
Cardoso played full 90 minutes in all 27 matches he featured in, missing only three.
He was on the bench against Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs while he wasn’t part of the team when they lost to Golden Arrows.
– Daniel Akpeyi (Moroka Swallows) – 2430’
Despite being the oldest player on the list at 37, Nigerian goalkeeper Akpeyi impressively played 27 full matches (90 minutes each) this season.
Notably, these figures exclude Swallows' two walkover losses and the final game where he was on the bench.
