Teams focus on youth

According to the latest PSL registrations released on Monday evening – Tuks have registered 15 players that are yet to turn 23 as of today with Siseko Manona the youngest in their squad at 17.

Not only have the Premiership new boys filled their squad with youth, the majority of the youngsters in their team are definite to get regular game time with Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thokozani Sekotlong, Mpho Matsi, Buhle Mkhwananzi, Mpho Maruping, Junior Sibande, Bongani Zungu and Thabo Mosadi having already featured in the three League games to date.

The other Under-23 players in the Tuks squad are Aubrey Ngoma, Dennis Kaibe, Ayanda Lubelo, Lebo Ngubeni, Kagiso Tshingu, Manona and Pogiso Mahlangu all of whom appear likely to play this season for the Steve Barker coached team.

Youth development specialists Ajax Cape Town have also loaded their squad with youth with fourteen Under-23 players that include regulars Khama Billiat, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thato Mokeke and Lebohang Manyama.

Bidvest Wits led by the young Barr – a schoolboy who will only turn 17 next week Thursday – have registered thirteen Under-23 players just like SuperSport United.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United have each registered 11 Under-23 players while Maritzburg United, Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars have all have ten Under-23’s each.

Moroka Swallows – whose squad from last season is largely unchanged – are at the bottom of the youth table with just four Under-23 players in their squad with Bloemfontein Celtic and Golden Arrows both having five.

Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs – who have the League’s oldest player in 40 year-old Arthur Bartman – have registered six Under-23 players in Lucky Baloyi, Keegan Ritchie, Erick Mathoho, Nhlanhla Khuzwayo, Linclon Zvasiya and 17 year-old striker Sakhile Hlongwa.