Strikers are the go-to men for every club in the world! Most teams depend on their forwards to score the goals and win games for them. It can therefore be said that they can make or break your chances of winning in any competition.
This past season, we have seen some formidable attackers in the PSL. Although, as soccer supporters, we would like to see more goals being scored and the chase for the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot to be incredibly interesting, we have to be content with the strikes that have been produced, although this doesn't take anything away from the performances of our strikers as they have been up to par this season. It has been amazing to see young and new developments at the various teams in the league.
Here are a few strikers I think have stood out in this 2015/16 campaign:
Leonardo Castro
The Mamelodi Sundowns striker has fitted in like a hand in a glove in Pitso Mosimane's side. His skills throughout the season have been on point and he leads the scoring charts at the club with 14 goals in all competitions. His clinical finishing has made him one of the most feared men in the PSL this campaign.
Collins Mbesuma
Mbesuma once again showed glimpses of his former self by terrorising defences just like how he had done when he was a Kaizer Chiefs player in the 2004/05 season. The 32-year-old has managed to bag 14 goals and leads the league goalscorers ranking.
Khama Billiat
Billiat has contributed to Downs' success in a big way, and, with his 10 goals, he has attracted interest from teams abroad. He has also made more assists than any other player in the country and is an asset to the Sundowns team as he his great versatility means he can play in any attacking position.
Prince Nxumalo
This youngster has managed to score 13 goals in 21 appearances for Ajax Cape Town, playing the least amount of games compared to the other top five goalscorers in the league, and is second in line for the Lesley Manyathela award this season.
Jeremy Brockie
He could definitely be regarded as one of the best strikers in the country, and mainly because of his impressive record of being one of the few attackers who have scored more than 10 goals in successive seasons and is a complete forward. The SuperSport United striker has shown he can play both as a No. 9 and as a second striker too.
Thobani Mncwango
The Polokwane City star has managed to overtake the club's top striker, Puleng Tlolane, this season. He seemed to hit all the right notes and has been City's go-to man.
Ndumiso Mabena
Ndumiso leads Platinum Stars' goals and assists charts. His versatility is what makes him a potent attacking outlet – with his pace, he can play out wide, and he also has the vision of a No. 10.
These forwards have been instrumental for their respective teams in this campaign, and hopefully next season there will be even more to come from the various teams' striking departments!
Cheers!
– Celine