Thapelo Mokobodi joins Athini Maqokolo at top of Premiership awards list

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi has moved level with AmaZulu winger Athini Maqokolo after collecting his third Betway Premiership Man of the Match award of the season.

Mokobodi was recognised after setting up both goals in Orlando Pirates’ 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium over the weekend.

The 23-year-old’s performance earned him the individual award for the third time in the league this campaign, placing him alongside Maqokolo at the top of the standings.

Mokobodi has also been named Man of the Match in matches against his former club Marumo Gallants and TS Galaxy. The midfielder previously played for both Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch FC before joining Orlando Pirates at Parktown from the Cape Winelands.

His form has continued to attract attention since making the move, with the Soweto Derby performance adding to an impressive first part of the season.

Maqokolo has maintained the high standards he set last season. The winger was named AmaZulu’s 2025/26 Player of the Season and has also claimed three league Man of the Match awards in the current campaign.

His awards came after matches against Stellenbosch on matchday one, Richards Bay and Durban City.

The leading players in the Betway Premiership Man of the Match standings for the 2026/27 season, counting league matches only, are:

– 3 – Thapelo Mokobodi, Orlando Pirates – 3 – Athini Maqokolo, AmaZulu – 2 – Lebohang Maboe, Kaizer Chiefs – 2 – Victor Letsoalo, TS Galaxy – 2 – Tylo Sanger, Durban City – 2 – Cebolenkosi Mthethwa, Milford – 2 – Nqaba Xulu, Richards Bay – 2 – Tshepo Mokoena, Sekhukhune United