With the 2024/25 PSL season underway, Afrik-Foot takes a look at the captains of all 16 clubs in the league. Some skippers are new to the role due to changes within the teams, often resulting from player transfers.
1 – Kaizer Chiefs – Yusuf Maart
The 29-year-old midfielder has been selected by Nasreddine Nabi to captain Amakhosi on the pitch following the exit of Keagan Dolly who had taken over the role from Itumeleng Khune last season.
The long-serving goalkeeper, Khune, was relieved of his captaincy due to disciplinary issues.
2 – Orlando Pirates – Innocent Maela
Maela assumed the captaincy in 2022, succeeding Happy Jele who left the club at the end of the 2021/22 season.
The left-footed defender, Maela has celebrated four trophy victories – two MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups since taking on the captaincy.
3 – Mamelodi Sundowns – Themba Zwane
Following the departure of Hlompo Kekana, the Brazilians had multiple captains at one point; however, Rulani Mokwena ultimately appointed Themba Zwane as the primary leader.
‘Mshishi’ has emerged as one of the most successful captains in the club's history, given the team's dominance in the league and their triumph in the African Football League.
4 – SuperSport United – Thulani Hlatshwayo
This marks Hlatshwayo's inaugural season as the captain of Matsatsantsa, having taken over from Onismor Bhasera, who is currently pursuing coaching qualifications.
Nonetheless, Hlatshwayo is not unfamiliar with leadership, having previously captained both Bafana Bafana and Bidvest Wits.
5 – Cape Town City – Thamsanqa Mkhize
Mkhize, alongside Thabo Nodada, ranks among the longest-serving players at the Cape Town-based club, having joined the team following the acquisition of Mpumalanga Black Aces' status.
Mkhize was recently granted a new contract after his previous one expired in June.
6 – Stellenbosch FC – Lee Langeveldt
The 37-year-old goalkeeper has been with the team since before its promotion to the top division.
However, Langeveldt has not featured prominently, and in his absence, Deano Van Rooyen has taken on the captaincy.
7 – Chippa United – Justice Chabalala
The 32-year-old has spent just two seasons with the Chilli Boys but has impressed enough to be appointed as the team's captain.
His communication skills and ability to organize the team at the back make him a great leader for the side.
8 – AmaZulu FC – Veli Mothwa
Mothwa took over the captaincy from Makhehleni Makhaula, who left AmaZulu to join Orlando Pirates in the middle of 2022/23 campaign.
The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Mothwa is a strong character who can inspire confidence in his teammates, similar to what he does in the national team.
9 – Richards Bay FC – Simphiwe Mcineka
The 27-year-old center-back is the youngest captain in the PSL. Mcineka previously held the captain's armband but relinquished it due to pressure before reassuming the role after the passing of Siphamandla Mtolo.
10 – Golden Arrows – Nduduzo Sibiya
‘Sulumani’ has played his football only at Golden Arrows since he graduated to the first team in 2013.
He took the over the captaincy from defender Thabani Zuke who has been plagued by injuries.
11 – Royal AM – Samuel Manganyi
The 37-year-old defender has been with the club since its Royal Eagles days. He still retained the captaincy when the club acquired Bloemfontein Celtic's status.
12 – TS Galaxy – Marks Munyai
The experienced right-back is new in the role having taken the armband from Pogiso Sanoka who left the club last month to sign for SuperSport United.
Munyai has been with the Rockets since 2020 when he signed from Black Leopards who now compete in the second-tier.
13 – Sekhukhune United – Linda Mntambo
The natural leadership skills in the former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mntambo made him an easy choice when Sekhukhune chose a man to lead.
He has been with the side since 2022 when he joined from the Buccaneers.
14 – Polokwane City – Bulelani Nikani
The 31-year-old defender had an impressive campaign last season in a defensive partnership with Lebohang Nkaki, playing all 30 league games.
Nikani took over the captaincy from Puleng Marema who has been with the club since 2012.
15 – Magesi FC – Elvis Chipezeze
The Zimbabwean shot-stopper is one of two goalkeepers captaining a DStv Premiership side, with Veli Mothwa leading AmaZulu.
Chipezeze has been with the Limpopo club for two seasons since joining from Baroka FC in 2022.
16 – Marumo Gallants – To be determined
The captain of newly promoted Marumo Gallants has yet to be announced. Newly appointed coach Dan Malesela will soon decide who will wear the armband.
