South Africa’s Betway Premiership, also known as the Premier Soccer League (PSL), is one of the toughest football leagues in Africa. Every week, stadiums are filled with chanting fans, the sound of vuvuzelas, and incredible action from some of the best players on the continent.
While many young stars dream of making their big debut, there are a few veterans who have been running, tackling, saving, and scoring for over a decade — and still going strong! These players have started hundreds of matches, showing that experience and consistency can be just as valuable as youthful energy.
Let’s take a look at the five current players who have made the most starts in the South African Betway Premiership. They are living legends whose careers are built on hard work, dedication, and a love for the beautiful game.
Ronwen Williams – The Safe Hands of South Africa
Starts: 509
Debut: SuperSport United 2–0 Matlama (30 January 2011, CAF Champions League)
If there’s one name every South African soccer fan knows, it’s Ronwen Williams. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper and current Bafana Bafana captain has been the definition of reliability. He made his debut all the way back in 2011 for SuperSport United, and since then, he’s started over 500 matches — a milestone only a few African players ever reach.
Before this season began, Williams already had 494 career starts, and he’s added even more by playing every single minute so far this campaign. That’s 15 straight games without a break — no wonder he’s one of the fittest players in the league!
Williams spent 12 seasons at SuperSport United, winning multiple trophies, before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he continues to shine. He’s now third on the all-time list of most appearances in South African football history.
Soccer Fact: Goalkeepers often play longer than outfield players because their position relies more on experience, reflexes, and positioning than pure running speed.
Fun Combo: Williams + Sundowns’ defense = one of the toughest combos in African football right now. Their teamwork helped Sundowns reach the later stages of the CAF Champions League, where they’re facing top clubs from Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco.
South Africa
Denis Onyango – The Veteran Warrior
Starts: 404
Debut: SuperSport United 2–0 AmaZulu (13 September 2006)
Next on our list is Denis Onyango, a true legend of African football. The Ugandan goalkeeper is 40 years old, but don’t let that fool you — his experience is gold! Onyango is in his 20th season in the PSL, more than any other active player. That’s two full decades of professional football — a career longer than some of his younger teammates have been alive!
Onyango started out at SuperSport United before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, where he became a club icon. He helped Sundowns win multiple league titles and the CAF Champions League in 2016.
Although he hasn’t played yet this season, Onyango made a surprise comeback for Uganda’s national team recently, coming out of retirement to help his country. Fans in Uganda went wild seeing their favorite goalkeeper back in national colors!
Soccer Fact: Onyango has won more league titles (10) than any other player in PSL history.
Soccer News: Even at 40, there are rumors that Onyango might play at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year — an incredible achievement if he does.
South Africa
Thabo Matlaba – The Iron Fullback
Starts: 400
Debut: Free State Stars 0–0 Santos (28 August 2010)
Third on our list is Thabo Matlaba, a tough-tackling defender known for his powerful runs and thunderbolt shots. He’s currently playing for Lamontville Golden Arrows, and while he’s not getting as many minutes as before, he remains one of the most respected players in the league.
Matlaba is the only player in the top five who isn’t a Sundowns player — proof that talent shines everywhere! He began his journey with Free State Stars, but his best years came with Orlando Pirates, where he was a fan favorite. Pirate supporters will never forget his long-range goals and tireless defending.
Matlaba recently hit his 400th career start during a match against Polokwane City, even though Arrows lost that day. Still, reaching 400 starts puts him among South Africa’s all-time greats.
Soccer Fact: Matlaba has played in almost every defensive position — left back, right back, and sometimes even as a midfielder. Versatility is one reason he’s lasted so long.
Combo Highlight: Arrows’ fast-paced style + Matlaba’s experience = a blend of energy and wisdom on the field.
South Africa
Themba Zwane – The Midfield Magician
Starts: 392
Debut: Santos 2–5 Mamelodi Sundowns (30 November 2011)
When it comes to creativity, few in South Africa can match Themba Zwane. Known for his silky dribbling, vision, and ability to score crucial goals, Zwane has been the heart of Mamelodi Sundowns’ midfield for over a decade.
Sadly, injuries have slowed him down recently. After a serious knee injury last season, Zwane is still recovering and has missed much of the current campaign. But fans are eagerly waiting for his comeback, because when “Mshishi” (his nickname) is fit, he’s unstoppable.
Zwane has spent almost his entire career at Sundowns, helping them win multiple league titles and a CAF Champions League trophy. He once played for Mpumalanga Black Aces early in his career, but he’s been loyal to Sundowns ever since.
Soccer Fact: Zwane has over 60 international caps for South Africa and is known for scoring in big games.
Soccer Combo: Zwane + Teboho Mokoena in midfield = a deadly creative duo that dominates possession and creates constant scoring chances.
Grant Kekana – The Steady Wall
Starts: 368
Debut: SuperSport United 2–0 Matlama (30 January 2011)
Finally, we have Grant Kekana, a defender who doesn’t get as much media attention as some of his teammates, but coaches love him for his consistency. Kekana has played for both SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns, just like Ronwen Williams. In fact, they made their debuts in the same match — talk about destiny!
Kekana had his best season last year, starting 40 matches for Sundowns, the most he’s ever played in one campaign. That shows his incredible endurance and reliability. He missed some games this season due to injury but is expected to return soon.
Soccer Fact: Kekana has won league titles with two different clubs — something few defenders can claim.
News Update: Sundowns fans are excited for his return, especially with tough CAF Champions League matches coming up against Remo Stars and TP Mazembe.
The Big Picture
These five players — Williams, Onyango, Matlaba, Zwane, and Kekana — are living examples of what dedication looks like. Between them, they have made nearly 2,100 career starts, an unbelievable number that shows not just skill, but consistency and discipline.
In a league where new young stars appear every season, these veterans remind us that experience is priceless. They’ve all faced ups and downs — injuries, transfers, pressure — yet they keep stepping onto the pitch, ready to perform.
Final Soccer Combo:
Experience + Team Spirit + Hard Work = Football Greatness.
As the Betway Premiership continues, keep an eye on these legends. They’re proof that in football, age doesn’t stop passion — it only makes it stronger.