Mzansi's bright soccer exports excel abroad

14 December 2015 - 03:04 By Nick Said

South Africa has not had a superstar in the mould of Benni McCarthy, Lucas Radebe or Quinton Fortune playing regularly abroad for some time. Steven Pienaar would be the closest to that, but his withering body at Everton has limited him to just one appearance this year. However, that does not mean there haven't been South Africans who have excelled. These are the country's top 10 performers in Europe.Andile Jali (KV Oostende, Belgium): He is not only better tactically and technically, but is arguably the fittest he has ever been. He is a mainstay in the midfield for Oostende.Darren Keet (KV Kortrijk, Belgium): He battled to regain his place in the starting XI after the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, but since then has been superb.Mandla Masango (Randers, Denmark): Masango has only been in Denmark for four or so months but has made an immediate impact at Randers and quickly earned himself a first team place, netting three goals and setting up several.Kamohelo Mokotjo (FC Twente, Netherlands): His team might be struggling and cash-strapped, but Makotjo continues to be a steady performer and one of the more efficient midfielders in the Dutch league. It is likely this will be his final season, but bigger things await.Lebogang Mothiba (Lille, France): Mothiba is still to make his debut for the French Ligue 1 side after the sacking last month of Herve Renard. But the 19-year-old's move from the Diambars Academy in Johannesburg to the brink of Ligue 1 in just a year is remarkable.Dino Ndlovu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus): Ndlovu signed for the Cypriot side early this season after a forgettable time in the PSL with Supersport United and Mpumalanga Black Aces. He has been a runaway hit with nine goals in 11 starts for the title chasers. This form earned him a recall to Bafana for the World Cup qualifiers.Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren, Belgium): Patosi is their joint top-scorer this season with five goals. He is also a key supplier of assists too. His ability suggests he should be playing at a bigger club.Lebogang Phiri (Brondby, Denmark): Phiri is one of the first names on the team sheet at Brondby, having played 26 times this season. He has even scored a couple of goals.Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands): Serero has had a tough time with injuries recently, but is starting to get his groove back. Well respected at Ajax, if he can stay injury-free he will be a leading figure in Ajax's push for the Dutch league title this season.Luther Singh (GAIS, Sweden): Singh emerged from nowhere to become a leading player at GAIS late in the season and there is much excitement about how he will go in 2016. He already has a large cult following in Sweden...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.