Belgium-based coach Masilo Modubi has highlighted the lack of South African players in European top leagues as a worrying factor. In recent years, there has been a trend of players playing abroad returning to local teams.
South Africa has produced many stars in Europe in the past, including Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy, Quinton Fortune, Shaun Bartlett, Steven Pienaar and others.
However, the number of South African footballers playing in top European leagues has dwindled in recent years.
Lyle Foster was the most recent South African player to grace the English Premier League, representing Burnley FC before their relegation. Prior to that, Percy Tau had a notable stint at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Modubi has expressed hope that South Africa could once again produce world-class players like Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar, who could inspire the next generation of footballers.
A few South African players have recently returned home from abroad, including Tashreeq Matthews and Kobamelo Kodisang, who now ply their trade for Mamelodi Sundowns. Versatile midfielder Keanin Ayer has also rejoined the domestic scene, signing with SuperSport United.
EX-BAFANA BAFANA MIDFIELDER CONCERNED ABOUT LACK OF SOUTH AFRICAN PLAYERS IN EUROPE
“I am hoping we can still have one of those players like Benni McCarthy when he played the [UEFA] Champions League or Schillo [Steven Pienaar] as well. We missed those kind of players in our country that we can point to them and say other kids can also dream,” he told FARPost.
“We need Vinicius Junior of our own in South Africa. Like before, if you look back, we used to have a lot of players. Your Bradley Carnell and Steven Pienaar are what I am talking about.
“You would look forward to weekend games, hoping that you would see your fellow South Africans,” added the former Bafana Bafana player.
WHAT MASILO MODUBI SAYS ABOUT PLAYERS RETURNING FROM EUROPE TO THE PSL
“I know other teams in South Africa pay well. But it’s different playing in the Champions League than being in South Africa playing in the CAF [Champions League],” he added.
“No disrespect, but I grew up dreaming about the Champions League and playing against the best in the world. You know how we would want to watch the Champions League every Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We looked forward to those days of the week. I remember when Percy Tau was at Brighton. They were playing Manchester City. I remember they were playing during the week, and I was looking forward to watching that game because it’s a South African playing,” said Modubi.
“I was looking forward to seeing him play as well. But unfortunately or fortunately he made his decision to go back to Africa. But not to say when you play for Sundowns or any local team is not a dream.”
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