Mamelodi Sundowns dominate: These are the most valuable players in South Africa's Betway Premiership

Looking at the most valuable footballers plying their trade in South Africa's Betway Premiership, it's no surprise that Mamelodi Sundowns dominate the top 10 position.

While the player valuations on respected football statistics website Transfermarkt are estimates and can be inaccurate, they are considered by agents and clubs worldwide as an industry benchmark.

Valued at R45 million, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana superstar Teboho Mokoena is the most valuable player in South Africa.

The midfielder has become a key player for club and country in recent years, and played a starring role in South Africa winning a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mokoena was linked with a move to Europe in the off season, but clubs were put off by the R95 million price tag slapped on him by Sundowns.

Also valued at R45 million is Sundowns' Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende.

With three international caps to his name, the 25-year-old Allende was once on the books of Premier League giants Arsenal as a youngster. And since moving to Sundowns, he's become an important player for the Brazilians, helping them win two Betway Premiership titles.

In third place, valued at R38 million is Namibian hitman Peter Shalulile. Sha Sha, as he is affectionately known by fans, has finished as the league's top goalscorer in three of the last five seasons.

At R34.2 million, Lucas Ribeiro is the second South American in the top five. In his first season at the club, Ribeiro's talent was there for all to see as he became a central figure in the club's push for honours.

Able to play off the right, or just behind the striker, the Brazilian  —  an actual one — was a creative force as Sundowns almost achieved an unprecedented and historic unbeaten league campaign.

Rounding up the top five if left winger Tashreeq Matthews, who was signed from Sweden's IK Sirius in 2023. At just 24 years old, the Ajax Cape Town — now Cape Town Spurs — youth graduate is the youngest in the top 10. Matthews is valued at  R34.2 million.

Bafana Bafana captain and Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who made history by becoming the first footballer playing on the African continent to be nominated for a Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards, only comes in at 31st, and is estimated to be worth R19 million.

While Relebohile Mofokeng, the 20-year-old Orlando Pirates attacker who is regarded as the finest young footballer in South Africa and has been linked with Spanish giants Barcelona, is worth R15.2 million, and is ranked 54th.

Number 6 to 20

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