11 March 2020, by: Thathe Msimango

PSL 2019/2020: Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot Award Candidates

The Lesley Manyathela Golden boot chase is heating up this season with a prospect of an exciting race for the prestigious award. After a disappointing 2018/19 season which saw only Mwape Musonda hitting double figures, he finished as the league-leading goalscorer with 16 goals for the struggling Black Leopards.

But this season already has six players who have scored over 10 goals, in the past eight years, only three times (2010/11, 2011/12 and 2015/16) have we seen more than six players reaching that mark. Let’s see, which players stand a chance to walk away with this highly contested prize.The Orlando Pirates striker is having a season to remember as he leads the race with 14 goals from 23 matches. At one stage the Malawian threatened to be the first player, since Siyabonga Nomvethe back in 2011/12, to go past 20 goals in one season. But the player has gone quiet, failing to score in his last three matches with his last goal coming against Chippa United on the 1st of February.

Orlando Pirates haven’t had a player finish as top scorer in the #AbsaPrem since the late Lesley Manyathela bagged 18 goals in the 2002/03 season…

Gabadinho Mhango’s got 11 now though, and he’s out to change that. ☠️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Tu2cemUsy4

— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) January 15, 2020

If Amazulu hopes to survive relegation then Ntuli must continue to be their saviour. The 28-year-old marksman has scored 12 goals this season (Amazulu have scored only 14 all season) and the last strike against log leaders Kaizer Chiefs proved to be a valuable one as they collected a crucial three points in their relegation scrap. The former Mamelodi Sundowns player has been a superb addition to the struggling Durban side since he arrived last year.

#AbsaPremiership – HALFTIME:

Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 AmaZulu

Bongi Ntuli’s well-taken volley sees the Amakhosi trail at the break. How will the second half play out?

Watch live: https://t.co/3wUsZ1pF9y. pic.twitter.com/85hdCwvixb

— SuperSport ? (@SuperSportTV) March 7, 2020

SuperSport forward Bradley Grobler started the season like a house on was and was named August’s Best Player, having scored four goals in the opening month of the South African top-flight. The 32-year-old and former Ajax Cape Town player managed to regain his form this season after struggling with injuries. He has found the back of the net four times in the last five games and a definite contender for the award.

Bradley Grobler has had some rotten luck with injuries…

But he’s now played more #AbsaPrem minutes this season already than he has in any of the last seven campaigns, and has bagged 12 goals along the way.

He’s peaking at 32. Never give up. pic.twitter.com/AbaF4qOQNS

— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) March 10, 2020

Highlands Park striker Peter Shalulile has scored nearly half of the 26 league goals scored by his club this season as he has netted 12 times. The Namibian striker took some time to reach double figures after starting the season on a high note but remains a dangerman if Lion Of The North is hoping to finish inside the top eight.

?? Peter Shalulile took his tally to 5⃣goals in 5⃣ matches with his brace against @Baroka_FC ??#AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/C8nfhArvv4

— SuperSport ? (@SuperSportTV) September 22, 2019

Golden Arrows sharpshooter Knox Mutizwa has scored 11 of the 23 goals scored by his club this season. It’s also the first time since the late Richard Henyekane to have Abafana Besthende player reaching the 10-goal mark in one season. The Zimbabweans only disappointment is his failure to convert sitters in most cases.

Sthende Nation!!??
Knox “the hitman” Mutizwa has been nominated for goal of the month (February 2020) for his last minute winner against amazulu

VOTE NOW on https://t.co/tfr190vpz1 stand a chance to win your favorite club’s jersey.
Voting lines close on Thurs,12 March 2020. pic.twitter.com/lTIK7tq98S

— Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) March 5, 2020

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