Pirates’ Mokobodi Wins PSL Player of the Month as Zwane and Mokoena Shine

Thapelo Mokobodi has won the PSL Player of the Month award announced in November 2026, with AmaZulu’s Arthur Zwane taking the coaching honour and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena claiming Goal of the Month. The PSL confirmed the winners on Monday, 9 November, for the combined September/October judging period.

The awards arrive with Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu separated by four points at the top of the Betway Premiership. Mokobodi and Zwane each receive their first monthly league accolade, while Mokoena’s recognition ensures the leaders also feature in a set of honours closely connected to the early title contest.

Mokobodi Rewarded for Pirates’ Winning Run

Our report on Pirates’ Soweto Derby victory captured the influence that makes Mokobodi’s award significant. He helped create both goals in the 2–1 win over Kaizer Chiefs, supplying Yanela Mbuthuma before later releasing Tshepang Moremi for the winner.

The PSL’s awards announcement credits Mokobodi with five assists during the judging period, when Pirates collected five league victories. He finished ahead of AmaZulu pair Ngwenya and Nkosikhona Radebe in the player selection.

The derby provides a useful explanation of his impact beyond that attributed total. A pass into a striker’s run and a delivery across goal after a break ask different questions of a defence. Pirates benefit when their creator and runners give opponents more than one problem to solve.

The next challenge is sustaining that connection against teams that protect space behind them. A deeper defensive line could reduce the opportunities to release a runner, putting more emphasis on patient combinations and movement inside crowded areas. Mokobodi’s award recognises what he has delivered; those changing matchups will test how he builds on it.

Zwane’s AmaZulu Turn Consistency Into Recognition

Zwane won Coach of the Month ahead of Abdeslam Ouaddou and Miguel Cardoso after guiding AmaZulu to five league victories across September and October. With Usuthu third, the recognition gives proper weight to the club keeping the leading pair within reach.

Their 1–0 victory over Golden Arrows on 31 October offers a concrete example. The official match record credits Radebe with the assist for Ngwenya’s 65th-minute winner. AmaZulu found the decisive opening after the interval and protected the advantage.

In his post-match comments reported by SuperSport, Zwane emphasised preparation, defending well and choosing the moment to punish mistakes. That helps explain the run more usefully than treating every victory as an attacking exhibition. Winning a tight contest can be as valuable to a league campaign as winning comfortably.

For Usuthu, the test now is whether that organisation holds across a longer sequence of opponents. Five wins establish productive form. Remaining close to the summit will also require responses to setbacks, reliable contributions beyond the starting XI and enough attacking variety when the first plan meets resistance.

Mokoena’s Golden Arrows Strike Takes Goal of the Month

Mokoena won the goal award for the curling effort from the edge of the penalty area against Golden Arrows. The other contenders highlighted by the PSL were Vincent Pule’s free kick against Marumo Gallants and Luphumlo Sifumba’s free kick against Milford.

His recognition adds an individual Sundowns achievement to an awards round otherwise led by Pirates and AmaZulu. A midfielder who can threaten from that distance gives defenders another decision: close him down and risk opening a passing lane, or hold position and allow the shot.

That is a tactical consideration rather than a prediction of repeat goals. One outstanding finish doesn’t establish a sustainable scoring rate from outside the box, nor does a retrospective award confirm a player’s availability for the next match. Sundowns’ current team news must determine that assessment.

PSL September/October Award Winners

These are the three honours announced on 9 November. The judging period covers September and October, rather than November’s matches.

A One-Point Gap Keeps Pressure on Sundowns

The official Premiership table, checked on 11 November, puts the awards into perspective. These are cumulative league totals, not points earned during the judging period.

Pirates sit one point behind with one fewer match played. That gives them an opportunity to move ahead when the schedules align, but they still have to win the outstanding fixture. Sundowns retain the advantage of points already secured.

AmaZulu are three points behind Pirates from the same number of games and four behind Sundowns with a match fewer played. Their position warrants attention without assuming that all three clubs have equal championship prospects. Squad depth, the difficulty of remaining fixtures and performance over a full season will shape that judgement.

The clubs are also pursuing different immediate objectives. Our Carling Knockout semifinal report explains Pirates’ and Sundowns’ next cup assignments. Balancing those demands with the league is part of the challenge that a monthly award cannot measure.

The Betting Read

For title markets, the useful information is the combination of points, games played and repeatable performance. Pirates’ creativity and AmaZulu’s consistency strengthen the case for taking both seriously. Calling either club value would still require an actual price and a view on the season ahead. Our PSL betting guide covers the main market choices.

For the next match, assess the opponent before extending a winning-run argument. Home advantage, the selected midfield, defensive absences and the forwards available can change how much weight to place on recent results. Good form can also shorten the price, leaving less reward for the uncertainty that remains.

Mokobodi’s creativity is relevant to Pirates’ attacking assessment without needing a player-assist market. Look at whether their runners can receive in dangerous areas and whether the opposing midfield can restrict his supply. Only assess a player-specific selection if your sportsbook actually offers it and its settlement rules are clear.

Mokoena’s award deserves similar care in goals markets. A spectacular strike can decide one contest, but an over-goals assessment needs broader evidence about chances created and conceded. Zwane’s tightly fought Arrows win also shows why backing a team to win and backing a high-scoring match are separate judgements.

Compare equivalent markets once line-ups and prices are available. Our sports betting guide explains how odds, potential returns and settlement terms fit together.

The Next Fixtures Must Sustain the Form

The international break creates a pause in the league contest, with returning players’ minutes and condition worth monitoring. Pirates have also confirmed their away Carling Knockout semifinal against Stellenbosch, adding another selection decision before attention returns fully to league points.

The awards give Mokobodi, Zwane and Mokoena deserved recognition for a completed period. For their clubs, the next task is practical: preserve the combinations that are working, adapt to the next opponent and keep collecting victories. Sundowns hold first place, Pirates can challenge that lead, and AmaZulu have earned their position close behind.

Welcome bonus

Up to R6,000 Welcome Bonus

New customers only. 100% match on each of your first three deposits, up to R6,000 in total. Qualifying deposits and wagering requirements apply. T&Cs apply. 18+.

View offer ↗

Affiliate disclosure: StraightBet may earn a commission if you sign up through this link. This does not affect our editorial independence. 18+ only. Bet responsibly. Winners know when to stop. Get help and support.

18+ only. Betting carries risk, so keep it within your means. This guide is written for South African residents and refers to operators licensed by provincial gambling boards under the National Gambling Act. If gambling is taking a toll on you or someone you know, the National Responsible Gambling Programme helpline is free and open 24/7 on 0800 006 008, or text HELP to 076 675 0710. Winners know when to stop.