South Africa’s soccer stars move north, with various factors contributing to the shift

Percy Tau of Al Ahly SC and Yahia Attiyat Allah, Ayman El Hassouni of Wydad AC during the CAF Champions League Final match between Wydad AC and Al Ahly SC at Stade Mohamed V on June 11, 2023 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

By Yanga Sibembe

16 Aug 2024

In recent weeks, a couple of Premier Soccer League players have chosen to transfer to North African clubs. Why are they doing it?

For South African soccer players plying their trade and performing exceptionally for the so-called smaller teams in the Premiership, there are usually two options.

One is a move to Europe, though such moves have significantly lessened in recent years. The second option is a move to one of South Africa’s “big three” clubs — Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

However, in the ongoing South Africa soccer transfer window, there have been a couple of unconventional moves by local soccer stars in recent weeks. Bafana Bafana attacker Elias Mokwana has moved to Tunisian giants Espérance, three-time African champions.

“There were teams that wanted me such as Sundowns and Chiefs, but for myself, I wanted to move away from home to get more exposure,” the former Sekhukhune United forward said, in his first interview as an Espérance player.

“Espérance is one of the biggest clubs in the world. So, I wanted to come here to experience it and give it my all,” the 24-year-old added.

Read more: Stellenbosch aiming to bolster its history as it embarks on maiden African escapade

Another Premier Soccer League star that has opted for the north of Africa is former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo.

Despite interest locally, particularly from Chiefs — which his father Patrick Mayo played for in the mid-2000s — Mayo Junior chose to spread his wings beyond the country. The 25-year-old has signed for Algerian heavyweights Chabab Riadhi Belouizdad.

“I looked at the club, its history, and everything else. I saw that it’s one of the big clubs in Algeria. That’s why I’m here,” Mayo said in the club’s media section.

Another Bafana Bafana international, Polokwane City’s Oswin Appollis, may soon join his compatriots in the region. A number of clubs are interested in the winger’s services.

Khanyisa Mayo of Cape Town City during the Premiership match between Cape Town City FC and Stellenbosch FC at Cape Town Stadium on 5 March 2024. (Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Why north?

According to former Sundowns tactician Rulani Mokwena — who himself has contributed to the South African invasion at the top of the continent with his move to Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca — a number of variables have played a part in this current trend.

“We still have a lot of work to do. Especially when I look at us, in relation to a country like Morocco. Our football is still on the rise,” Mokwena told media during a South African Football Journalists’ Association session on Thursday, 15 August.

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“We had a very good Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and that has contributed to the limelight moving towards us. There’s a lot more respect for us. A lot more appreciation for the work that we are doing as a country in the space of football,” Mokwena added.

Rulani Mokwena during a joint Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates press conference on 30 May 2024 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Mokwena said besides Bafana Bafana’s memorable bronze medal run at Afcon in early 2024, figures such as fellow coach Pitso Mosimane and player Percy Tau, have paved the way. The 37-year-old mentor also said that Patrice Motsepe being president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has played a role.

“These people have done a lot in preparing that space for us. They have to take a lot of credit. You have to give them their flowers. Sometimes, the people who labour and plant the trees are not necessarily the ones who enjoy the shade,” Mokwena said.

SA football in a good space

Mokwena queried what it ultimately means for South African football. “We’re in a very good space at the moment. But football is football. Things change all the time,” he said.

Another South African player may soon join Mokwena at Wydad. The club has been heavily linked with former Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu, after they both departed from the Tshwane side at the end of last season.

Percy Tau of Al Ahly SC and Yahia Attiyat Allah, Ayman El Hassouni of Wydad AC during the CAF Champions League Final between Wydad AC and Al Ahly SC at Stade Mohamed V on 11 June 2023 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

“I love Bongani Zungu as a person because this is what makes him a top football player. He’s an incredible human being,” said Mokwena.

“We just have to see because it’s a bit more complicated than what people think. But it is a big possibility. It is something that I can say we are considering,” said the 37-year-old, on the chances of free agent Zungu joining him in Morocco.

With the likes of Mosimane and Tau succeeding in the north of Africa, the latest contingent of South African representatives will be eyeing similar success, to continue opening up the space for others who may wish to make the great African trek in future. DM

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Why north?

SA football in a good space