Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena reveals ambition and target for the national side. Image: (@BafanaBafana/Facebook)
Four Bafana stars who should move abroad after AFCON
Wealthy buyers might come calling for several South African footballers in the coming weeks and months.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena reveals ambition and target for the national side. Image: (@BafanaBafana/Facebook)
Bafana Bafana exceeded a few expectations with their run to the AFCON semi-finals. Which of their stars have been stellar enough to earn massive moves to new clubs?
ICYMI: TWO stars included in the official AFCON Team of the Tournament
OPINION: Three Bafana AFCON stars who might be saying goodbye
BAFANA BAFANA STARS PUT THEMSELVES IN THE SHOP WINDOW
TEBOHO MOKOENA
Tebza was superb at the base of midfield for South Africa in the tournament, dovetailing perfectly with Sphephelo Sithole to help the side control games in the centre of the park. We all know about his composure, silky first touch and reading of the game in a Sundowns jersey, but it’s great to see him flourishing for the national side. That sumptuous direct free-kick against Morocco’s Atlas Lions was a highlight of the tournament. At 27, the maestro is entering his peak. What an elegant player this guy is with his wide range of passing and in-game intelligence. Rumours of interest from the English Premier League and France’s Ligue 1 aren’t going away. Sundowns might want huge money for their maestro, though.
ICYMI: Which global star does Sundowns midfielder Mokoena resemble?
RONWEN WILLIAMS
Like Mokoena, skipper Ronwen Williams was named in the official AFCON Best XI. The Sundowns man produced a stunning performance against Cape Verde in the quarter-finals, saving four spot-kicks in the shootout. At 32 he’s entering the peak of his powers as a goalkeeper and a big move isn’t out of the question. Will the PSL champions let him go though?
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ICYMI: Bafana boss doesn’t want to point fingers, but…
THAPELO MASEKO
Although he’s recently moved to Sundowns, there will undoubtedly be high demand for Thapelo Maseko’s signature. The left-sided utility man, who’s equally comfortable bombing forward or helping out in defence, only started one game at AFCON because of the form of clubmate Aubrey Modiba. 20-year-old Maseko is a huge weapon off the bench though, and it can’t be long before European suitors come calling. Injury cut short his tournament in Côte d’Ivoire but his potential is undeniable.
RUMOUR: Namibian AFCON star ‘dreams’ of playing for Kaizer Chiefs
ICYMI: The Lion of Judah wanted to roar at AFCON but all Tau could do was meow
EVIDENCE MAKGOPA
Talk about taking your opportunities. 23-year-old striker Makgopa was a bit-part player in his first year at Orlando Pirates and a Bafana Bafana call-up would have seemed like a ridiculous suggestion. He’s exploded into life this season, with four goals in 13 league appearances, and he simply couldn’t be denied at international level. The Limpopo-born star led the line at AFCON and did so admirably. The Bucs man attracted plenty of criticism for his poor penalty in the shootout and general play against Nigeria, however, watch closer and you’ll see a guy with the raw ingredients needed to become a huge star. Remember Emmanuel Adebayor at Arsenal? There are similarities there. Like Adebayor before him, Makgopa is a powerful runner with predatory instincts in front of the goal. He also divides opinion.
RUMOUR: Namibian AFCON star ‘dreams’ of playing for Kaizer Chiefs
Who have we left out?
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
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