“Beyond His Years”: Malibongwe Khoza’s Rise Rewarded with Young Player of the Season Nomination

“Beyond His Years”:

Malibongwe Khoza’s Rise Rewarded with Young Player of the Season Nomination

Author: Erica Mathye

Some seasons shape players, and then there are seasons that announce them. For Malibongwe Khoza, the 2024/25 campaign was nothing short of transformative. A product of the Mamelodi Sundowns Youth Academy, the 21-year-old defender made the leap into the first team with the composure of a veteran and the hunger of a player with everything to prove. Now, after a successful debut PSL season, Khoza’s efforts have been recognised with a nomination for the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season.

The young defender joins an elite shortlist alongside Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates and Mohau Nkota, now with Al Ettifaq following a stellar season in South Africa.

It is a recognition he wears with humility.

“It is a great feeling. I didn’t expect it, especially with this being my first season in the league,” Khoza told the Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine. “I think I did very well throughout the season. For me, it was all about helping the team the best way I can, and I’m happy I was able to do that. We did very well as a team.”

And indeed, they did. Sundowns reclaimed their domestic dominance with authority, securing the Betway Premiership title with games to spare, an eighth consecutive title and 15th in the PSL era. The Club also reached the CAF Champions League final, reflecting a season where excellence was demanded and delivered.
“From the start of the season, we had a goal to finish number one,” Khoza reflects. “It didn’t start as we would have wanted, but coming back from the festive holidays, we picked up form and maintained it until the end of the season. We made sure we secured the title before the CAF Champions League final.”

Khoza’s maturity in reading the game, combined with composure under pressure, marked him as a defender playing far beyond his years. Week in, week out, he faced some of the league’s most dangerous attackers, and more often than not, came out on top.

As Sundowns supporters cast their eyes toward the 2024/25 PSL Awards, Khoza’s nomination is not the only reason for celebration at Chloorkop.

Gomolemo Kekana, a bright prospect from the Sundowns youth ranks, is shortlisted for DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season. Khoza was quick to express his support for his fellow nominees in the squad. “The message to the guys nominated is simple. Good luck and all the best. I hope we win.”

Looking ahead, Khoza remains firmly grounded but unmistakably ambitious. The hunger to build on this season’s achievements is unmistakable in his voice.

“We are Sundowns. Our mandate is clear, so are our goals. The goal is to take everything that comes our way. You can only beat what’s in front of you, so the goal is to win every game we play in and win every trophy we compete in. That’s the mandate.”

The PSL Awards will be on Tuesday, the 29th of July and broadcast on SABC and Supersport. For live updates and reactions, you can check the Mamelodi Sundowns digital platforms.

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