AN increase in demand for South African players abroad has signalled a much-needed beam of hope for domestic football as well as Bafana Bafana.
The last two or three seasons have seen South African players become the point of discussions involving moves to either Europe or much more lucrative North African countries.
The names of Bafana internationals like Siyabonga Ngezana, who moved to Romanian side Steaua Bucuresti at the start of last season, and Yaya Sithole (Gil Vicente, Portugal) spring to mind.
The most recent ones have been the glittering duo of Khanyisa Mayo and Elias Mokwana, who opted for moves to CR Beloiuzdad (Algeria) and Esperance (Tunisia), respectively, following a trail blazed by another Bafana star Percy Tau all those years ago.
Cape Town City FC bids farewell to Khanyisa Mayo, who has joined CR Belouizdad on a permanent transfer.
A popular figure among teammates and staff alike, Khanyisa leaves with the warmest regards from everyone at the club.
Thank you for all you’ve done, Khanyisa 💙 pic.twitter.com/pDBpYNUHth
Tau’s return to Africa to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly from English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion was seen by many as a terrible career move as the country beckoned for another South African star to represent in arguably the biggest league in the world.
Step up Lyle Forster, the Soweto-born striker who gave defenders all over that league nightmares in one-on-one duels, sprints and with his work inside the box, but was unable to save his Burnley from being relegated last season.
Now having put his off-field mental health issues aside, he is rejuvenated and has already started to cause a stir in the Championship in England this season.
While all of these events might be life-changing opportunities for the players concerned, they might also be pioneers for a new ‘golden generation’ in South African football.
Novo reforço? 𝗬𝗮𝘆𝗮 ✅
— Gil Vicente Futebol Clube (@GilVicente_fc) July 22, 2024
Bem-vindo à família, Yaya Sithole 🔴🔵#UnidosPelaLenda #GalosDeLuta pic.twitter.com/jo9UO84GnG
Gone are the days when the likes of overseas-based Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy and others would lead Bafana to continental glory.
This latest spate of internationally-recognised groups of players continues to move in a direction that not only is admired by the rest of the continent but also increases the chances of Bafana acquiring a second Africa Cup of Nations title.
The proof is already in the pudding with Bafana’s most recent run in the competition, which saw them finish as the third-placed team after being eliminated in the semi-finals by a star-studded Nigeria.
The rise of stock in South African players is also serving as a confidence booster for the leaders of football in the country; while debates rage on in the boardrooms, the work on the field serves as a humidifier.
The Premier Soccer League, although one of the biggest leagues on the continent, had suffered a reputational blow for the drop in quality in recent years, but that seems to be a thing of the past.
However, anyone ripping it up on the domestic front as well as in CAF competitions can attract the attention of some of the biggest clubs on the continent.
The next five to 10 years remain a mystery to a lot of football followers, but now at least a huge majority will approach it with a great degree of optimism.
