Coaches go window shopping

Premier Soccer League coaches will be salivating at the chance to run their eye over some top African talent over the next weeks, without having to pack their passports.

It is expected each of the 16 top-flight coaches will take in some of the action as South Africa hosts the African Nations Championship (Chan) from Saturday until the end of the month.

All the footballers are based at clubs on the continent and would find a move to South Africa's PSL as a step up and an attractive proposition.

Given there is little public interest in the three-week event, it can be safely said Chan 2014 is not much more than a giant shopping mall for PSL clubs.

Coaches will be keeping a particular eye on players from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria are bringing five players who competed in and won the African Nations Cup finals last January.

Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim and outfield players Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe, Ejike Uzoenyi and Benjamin Francis have all been capped by Nigeria at full international level and will likely be closely watched.

Ghana's squad does not have any regulars from their Black Stars World Cup squad but their league is rated highly and their 23-man Chan selection represents well-drilled home talent.

Seidu Bansey (Hasaacas), Sulley Mohammed (King Faisal) and Samuel Afful (Kotoko) are the three top strikers in the Ghana league this season and will also have their cards marked by PSL coaches, who are increasingly desperate for players who know how to find the back of the net. Mozambican and Zimbabwean players are always watched by local clubs and the physical size of the Congolese will also impress.