THE physical nature of the Absa Premiership and the suspension of players for just three yellow cards accumulated means it's rare for a player to go through a season having started all of his team's 30 league matches.
Free State Stars goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was the only individual in the 2010-11 Absa Premiership campaign to start every match, proof of just how difficult it is for players to maintain their place in the side throughout.
But this year is something of an anomaly, because with eight rounds of fixtures to go, as well as some catch-up fixtures from postponed games, there are no less than eight players still in the running for this honour.
Four players have so far featured in every single minute of every single League game in 2011-2012, and two of them come from Lamontville Golden Arrows.
The ever-reliable centre-back Musa Bilankulu picked up two yellow cards early in the season but has so far managed to stave off the third that would see him pick up a suspension.
His four goals this season have also been a boost for Abafana Bes'thende.
Thanduyise Khuboni is known to have one of the best "engines" in the PSL, and that's why he is a favourite of national team coach Pitso Mosimane as well. The 25-year-old has led his side by example this season, playing every minute so far.
But he did collected his second booking of the campaign in the goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs, , and will now be walking a suspension tightrope.
The third player to have featured in every minute is also playing in KwaZulu-Natal, but up the N3 at Maritzburg United. Senegalese defender Mor Diouf has been superbly reliable for his side and, remarkably for a defender, has yet to receive a yellow card at all.
He has also chipped in with four goals, including one against Orlando Pirates in August.
The fourth player to have featured in every minute is Moroka Swallows' Nigerian goalkeeper Greg Etafia. Siyabonga Nomvethe has missed just 10 minutes of the season so far for Swallows, starting every game. Not bad for a player who will be 35 this year.
So has stalwart Lefa Tsutsulupa, who continues to be a highly effective operator in the centre of midfield.
Ajax Cape Town's George Maluleka is one of the first names on coach Maarten Stekelenburg's team sheet, and he has yet to miss a game. Black Leopards' Nkosiyabo Xakane has also started, but not finished, every game for Lidoda Duvha.
Players who have recently lost the chance for ever-present status recently include Orlando Pirates' Siyabonga Sangweni, who missed the 3-1 victory over Free State Stars last week through suspension, and SuperSport United's young goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was injured against Platinum Stars on March 21 and has been replaced by veteran Rowen Fernandez.
Mamelodi Sundowns' Wayne Sandilands was also on course before being injured in training.
More players on ever-present list
THE physical nature of the Absa Premiership and the suspension of players for just three yellow cards accumulated means it's rare for a player to go through a season having started all of his team's 30 league matches.
Free State Stars goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was the only individual in the 2010-11 Absa Premiership campaign to start every match, proof of just how difficult it is for players to maintain their place in the side throughout.
But this year is something of an anomaly, because with eight rounds of fixtures to go, as well as some catch-up fixtures from postponed games, there are no less than eight players still in the running for this honour.
Four players have so far featured in every single minute of every single League game in 2011-2012, and two of them come from Lamontville Golden Arrows.
The ever-reliable centre-back Musa Bilankulu picked up two yellow cards early in the season but has so far managed to stave off the third that would see him pick up a suspension.
His four goals this season have also been a boost for Abafana Bes'thende.
Thanduyise Khuboni is known to have one of the best "engines" in the PSL, and that's why he is a favourite of national team coach Pitso Mosimane as well. The 25-year-old has led his side by example this season, playing every minute so far.
But he did collected his second booking of the campaign in the goalless draw against Kaizer Chiefs, , and will now be walking a suspension tightrope.
The third player to have featured in every minute is also playing in KwaZulu-Natal, but up the N3 at Maritzburg United. Senegalese defender Mor Diouf has been superbly reliable for his side and, remarkably for a defender, has yet to receive a yellow card at all.
He has also chipped in with four goals, including one against Orlando Pirates in August.
The fourth player to have featured in every minute is Moroka Swallows' Nigerian goalkeeper Greg Etafia. Siyabonga Nomvethe has missed just 10 minutes of the season so far for Swallows, starting every game. Not bad for a player who will be 35 this year.
So has stalwart Lefa Tsutsulupa, who continues to be a highly effective operator in the centre of midfield.
Ajax Cape Town's George Maluleka is one of the first names on coach Maarten Stekelenburg's team sheet, and he has yet to miss a game. Black Leopards' Nkosiyabo Xakane has also started, but not finished, every game for Lidoda Duvha.
Players who have recently lost the chance for ever-present status recently include Orlando Pirates' Siyabonga Sangweni, who missed the 3-1 victory over Free State Stars last week through suspension, and SuperSport United's young goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who was injured against Platinum Stars on March 21 and has been replaced by veteran Rowen Fernandez.
Mamelodi Sundowns' Wayne Sandilands was also on course before being injured in training.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos