Soweto Derby: Top 10 Most Valuable Players

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer meet in the Soweto derby this weekend, looking to pile pressure on other sides for a continental spot. Both teams are in desperate need of a win that will keep them in touch with Stellenbosch, Cape Town City, and SuperSport in the hunt for a CAF-qualifying spot. But who are the most valuable players for the two teams? According to the German website Transfermarkt, who specialise in public player market values, these are the Top 10.

10: Melusi Buthelezi

The Orlando Pirates goalkeeper is valued at R17 million, making him the joint-10th most valuable player according to the site. There are a few players valued at R17 million on both teams, but we’ve chosen Buthelezi as the standout because he is the youngest of those, by at least three years. The goalkeeper joined Pirates at the start of the season and enjoyed a decent run of games between October and December. All in all, he has six clean in 11 appearances this season but hasn’t featured this year.

9: Ashley du Preez

At R18 million, forward Ashley Du Preez is one of the most valuable players at Kaizer Chiefs. He comes in ninth in the combined list of Soweto teams. Still aged 26, the former Stellenbosch man still has a lot to offer his side. Last season, he contributed nine goals to the Chiefs’ cause, but he’s found the going tough this season with only three goals so far. The injury he suffered in October may have contributed a lot to that, but he is still a player with massive potential waiting to be unleashed.

8: Tshegofatso Mabasa

Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa is the eighth most valuable player between the two teams at R19 million. Officially, he has been at Pirates since 2019 but has been placed on loan on a few occasions since then. His last stint was at Swallows this season, and he’s already shown what he is capable of – he remains the league’s most efficient attacker with 6 goals in 13 games, a 46% ratio which is the highest in the league. He will be looking to continue his undoubted goalscoring prowess for the Buccanneers now that he has returned.

7: Reeve Frosler

Tied fifth for most valuable players is Kaizer Chiefs’ Reeve Frosler, who is currently valued at R20 million. This is the highest he has been valued ever since he joined the club. He may be just 26 years old, but he is one of the longest-serving players at Chiefs, having joined the club five years ago in January 2019. Chiefs have had six coaches in that time, yet all of them have trusted Frosler, particularly in the right-back position. His versatility means he can also be deployed further up front when needed.

6: Yusuf Maart

Another player tied 5th on the list of most valued players is Yusuf Maart. The midfielder joined Chiefs at the start of last season and is currently valued at R20 million. Likewise, his value has increased with time, and his endurance has a lot to do with it. Maart played the most minutes for Chiefs last season, and is on course to do so again this season – he is the leader for minutes played again so far in this one. He also chipped in with some goals, and his long-range effort in the Soweto derby is the most memorable.

5: Tapelo Xoki

Another R20 million-rand valuation is placed on Tapelo Xoki, the Orlando Pirates defender. Xoki is among the Top 25 most valuable players in the entire division and is third at Pirates, having only joined the club at the start of last season. The 29-year-old has played more minutes than anyone else at Pirates this season, but that is not his only contribution. His five goals this term have been handy in securing the team points on occasion & he is only behind strikers Zakhele Lepasa (10) & Evidence Makgopa (6) for goals.

4: Given Msimango

The 26-year-old center-back joined Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the season but has already been a center-piece in the Chiefs’ defence. Only one player (Yusuf Maart) has played more minutes than Msimango this season. His R22 million-rand valuation also points to the fact that he is a young player, with significant future resale value. On the field, he has shown a maturity beyond his years when playing and is part of a Chiefs defence that has conceded the second-fewest goals this season (12 goals).

3: Keagan Dolly

Keagan Dolly is the joint leader for most valuable players at Kaizer Chiefs, with a R22 million valuation according to the valuation site. The wing-attacker recently turned 31 and may only have a few more years left to play. However, he still brings a lot of value to the team on and off the field. Few players in the league have the technical ability of Dolly, although injuries have hampered the consistency of his contributions at times. He is third overall on the list.

2: Monnapule Saleng

There is a tie for joint-first among players and both players are from Orlando Pirates. Last season’s Player of the Season Monapule Saleng is valued at R26 million. The wing-attacker has had a stop-start season and has managed one goal all campaign. This is in stark contrast to last season when, despite waiting until October for his first start, he ended the season as the only top-flight player with double figures for both goals & assists in all competitions (15G 11A). His valuation may have a lot to do with his age, considering that he is yet to turn 26.

1: Nkosinathi Sibisi

According to the site, the joint-most valuable player at Orlando Pirates at the moment is Nkosinathi Sibisi. The forceful centre-back joined Orlando Pirates from Orlando Pirates in July 2022 and has been a steady figure in their backline. Last season, he played more minutes than any other player at the club across competitions. Although his appearances have dropped this season, the 28-year-old also featured in the Africa Cup of Nations recently and is currently valued at R26 million.