Top five forwards who lit up the 2024/25 Premiership season

The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season offered its fair share of goalmouth action, even as the league continued to battle with consistently surpassing the 20-goal mark.

Mamelodi Sundowns once again dominated the league with goals scored, breaking their own record of 56 goals to end the season on a total of 65.

Amidst the challenges in front of goal from all the other sides in the league, here we will look at five attackers who stood out, giving their best throughout the campaign.

Iqraam Rayners

Arguably the most complete forward in the Premiership this season, Iqraam Rayners enjoyed another impressive campaign—this time made even more remarkable by his move to the highveld to join Mamelodi Sundowns.

Despite the fierce competition for places within the star-studded Brazilians' squad, the former Stellenbosch FC striker thrived. He scored 14 league goals in 26 appearances, with a particularly strong showing in the second half of the season. Rayners' performances underlinse why he will be a key part of Sundowns' plans going forward.

Arthur Sales

Sales may have faced criticism for inconsistency, but the Brazilian made notable contributions, particularly coming off the bench. In limited minutes, Sales registered eight goals and added eight assists, showing his value not only in front of goal but also in linking up play and creating chances.

Though he may have wanted more starts, his impact was significant in helping his team stay competitive throughout the campaign.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa

Lucas Ribeiro Costa was the standout forward of the season and walked away with the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot after netting 16 goals.

Replacing Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa as the league's top scorer from last season, Ribeiro enjoyed a superb campaign full of quality.

He also looks a strong candidate for the Goal of the Season Award after producing some electrifying moments in the final third.

At 26, the Brazilian matched the second-highest Golden Boot tally in recent memory and became the first Sundowns player to claim the award since Peter Shalulile’s back-to-back wins with 12 and 23 goals in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.

Since Shalulile’s 23-goal haul, the 16-goal benchmark has been tough to beat, with Siyabonga Nomvethe still the only other player to net 20 goals in a single Premiership campaign post 2010. Nomvethe netted 20 for Moroka Swallows in 2011/12 .

Devin Titus

Stellenbosch FC's Devin Titus maintained his consistency with another solid season. The Cape forward scored eight goals and featured in 28 league games for the Cape Winelands club.

Backing up his seven-goal tally from the 2023/24 season, Titus played yet again a vital role in helping Stellies finish third on the log.

That strong showing secured them another shot at CAF Confederation Cup football next season, where they’ll aim to go beyond this year’s semi-final finish.

Dzenan Zajmovic

Bosnian forward Dzenan Zajmovic made a strong impression in his debut Premiership season.

Leading the line for TS Galaxy, he found the net eight times in 25 matches under the joint leadership of Sead Ramovic and Adnan Beganovic.

Zajmovic was central to Galaxy’s climb from early-season struggles to a top-five finish.

His performances haven't gone unnoticed, with several bigger clubs said to be monitoring the striker ahead of what could be a significant move next season.