The resumption of domestic and continental club football following AFCON has allowed players in South Africa to show off in their new colours.
In the Betway Premiership, players have shown off in their new jerseys, with high profile debutants making their mark as the league resumed on Monday.
After being promoted from the Mamelodi Sundowns youth team to the first team at the end of last year, 19-year-old Thato Sibiya made his debut for Mamelodi Sundowns against Orbit College on Monday.
The left-back played the full match, keeping a clean sheet and bagging his first goal contribution, assisting fellow Masandawana debutant Brayan León for Sundowns’ second goal in the 65th minute, ensuring a 2-0 win.
León completed a move from Independiente Medellín in his home country of Colombia to the South African champions and continued his fine form in front of goal. The 25-year-old registered eight goal contributions in nine appearances for the Colombian club this season before his move, and scored for Sundowns in his 20th minute on the park.
Following his loan move from Orlando Pirates to Stellenbosch, Tshegofatso Mabasa reminded fans why his nickname is “Sniper”. The striker netted for his new club 33 minutes into his debut on Tuesday, handing the Maroons a much needed 1-0 win over Sekhukhune.
Mabasa was not the only new face in Stellenbosch’s set-up, with new head coach Gavin Hunt winning his first game in charge of the Cape Winelands outfit.
Also on Tuesday, Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge captain Thulani Mabaso received his first competitive minutes in professional football, coming off the bench in the 74th minute.
The 21-year-old held his own in Chiefs’ 1-0 win over Lamontville Golden Arrows, looking calm and composed on the ball, showing why he was chosen to join the first team in their European preseason camp.
Siwelele’s new signing Kgaogelo Sekgota achieved an impressive feat, scoring in the first minute of his debut for the Bloemfontein-based side. His goal was the only Siwelele could manage and their Friday fixture ended in a 1-1 draw with Richards Bay.
After hot starts, it remains to be seen whether these players will be able to carry their form forward as the business-end of the season inches closer.
