The 2025/26 Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards will long be remembered as the night Orlando Pirates painted the stage entirely in black and white. Following a phenomenal domestic campaign that yielded a historic treble, the Buccaneers translated their on-pitch supremacy into an unprecedented clean sweep of the individual accolades at the annual gala.
With the new season looming just days away, the ceremony served as the ultimate victory lap for a side that completely redefined dominance in South African football.
Relebohile Mofokeng claims the ultimate crown
The undisputed star of the evening was young prodigy Relebohile Mofokeng. Delivering a masterclass in consistency, creativity, and match-winning brilliance, the 21-year-old playmaker swept the three most prestigious individual prizes on offer: the PSL Footballer of the Season, the Betway Premiership Players' Player of the Season, and the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season.
Mofokeng's treble of awards capped off a sensational campaign that saw him fend off fierce competition – including teammate Oswin Appollis and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena – to secure the highest honour in the country. Having already completed a high-profile transfer to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Mofokeng left local shores leaving behind an indelible legacy.
A clean sweep across every department
Pirates' dominance was not limited to Mofokeng's wizardry; the Soweto giants claimed nearly every major positional and structural award.
Coach of the Season went to Abdeslam Ouaddou. In his debut campaign at the helm, Ouaddou masterminded Pirates' tactical revolution, snapping a long-waited league drought and steering the club to a clean sweep of domestic trophies.
Goalkeeper of the Season was awarded to Sipho Chaine, a rock between the sticks whose shot-stopping heroics and distribution were fundamental to the Buccaneers' watertight defensive record.
Defender of the Season was claimed by Lebone Seema, who commanded the backline with maturity beyond his years and neutralised the league's most lethal attacks.
Midfielder of the Season went to Oswin Appollis, who seamlessly integrated into the Pirates engine room to provide the creative heartbeat and tireless energy that drove the team forward.
Goal of the Season was secured by Cemran Dansin, who etched his name into folklore with an exquisite, breathtaking volleyed strike against Mamelodi Sundowns, widely hailed as one of the greatest goals ever witnessed in the South African top-flight.
The club's cup success was also recognised, with Tshepang Moremi scooping the MTN8 Last Man Standing award, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi named Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament. The only major Premiership accolade to evade the Buccaneers was the Golden Boot, which went to Golden Arrows striker Sede Junior Dion after he netted 14 goals.
A night of emotion and legacy
Amidst the celebrations, the football fraternity took a solemn moment to reflect. League chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza presented a moving, posthumous PSL Chairman's Award to the family of the late Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, honouring his profound contribution to the sport.
For Orlando Pirates, the 2025/26 PSL Awards gala was more than just a celebration of individual brilliance – it was the formal validation of an era-defining season. As the Buccaneers prepare to defend their crown, this historic clean sweep will stand as a benchmark of footballing excellence in South Africa.