FOUR EXCITING SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS IN EUROPE

ONCE upon a time, South Africa had several players in the English Premier League, and other top European leagues. Since Percy Tau left Brighton and Hove Albion to join Al Ahly recently, that number stands at zero.

While there may be no South Africans playing for any eye-catching European teams as was the case until the early part of the last decade, here are four players that South Africans can be excited about monitoring.

Kgaogelo “Kegs” Chauke (Southampton)

The Pretoria-born English-South African made his debut for the Southampton first team in an FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town in January. While Chauke has not tasted much professional action, he has been involved in the Southampton youth ranks which is rated as one of the best youth development systems in England.

Chauke is eligible to represent England and South Africa, having previously been part of the England set-up at Under18 level.

Having spent most of his life in England, it won’t be surprising if Chauke’s priority is to represent England, but if that does not work out, he will have the opportunity to represent and add a lot of value to Bafana Bafana one day.

Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg) Mothiba’s career situation has been sad. After showing promise in his first two seasons in France and racking up 13 goals for Strasbourg, he has not played in the last two seasons owing to a serious knee injury.

Had fate not dealt Mothiba an unfortunate blow, he might have now been playing for a well-known club in one of Europe’s top five leagues while also being Bafana Bafana’s regular choice to lead the line.

At 25, Mothiba still has time to build a successful career but the two years that he has missed would have almost certainly negatively impacted his development. Luther Singh (FC Copenhagen) Singh has been highly rated for years but now is the time for him to shine. The 24-year-old has shown strong potential when in the jersey of South African youth teams and even when in Bafana Bafana colours.

However, he has yet to achieve his full potential at club level.

After four years in Portugal, Singh earned a move to Copenhagen earlier this year. There will be heavy expectations on the Soweto-born player to deliver in Denmark. Fellow South African Sibusiso Zuma is considered a legend at Copenhagen.

Zuma’s iconic bicycle kick goal for Copenhagen against Brondby in 2001 is still considered to be the greatest ever goal scored by a Copenhagen player.

Singh’s current club could ultimately define his career. He is no longer a rookie in football terms and if he fails for Copenhagen, it will be hard to see respected clubs in Europe vying for his signature.

Sphephelo Sithole (Belenenses SAD)

The midfielder was named in the most recent Bafana squads by national team coach Hugo Broos. Just 22-years-old, the Durban-born player has a great place to nurture his craft in Portugal. He is one to keep an eye out for going forward and could soon be an important component of the Bafana team if he stays focused.