Bafana Bafana: South Africa’s football exports performing abroad

13 stars called up for the latest Bafana Bafana squad are currently based overseas.

This matches the trend of players lacing up in America, Europe, and elsewhere in Africa.

Here’s what South Africa’s football export stars are currently achieving across the globe.

Bafana Bafana BACK IN ACTION

South Africa face Kenya in two crucial 2027 AFCON qualifier ties this month.

Bafana Bafana host the Harambee Stars at the Orlando Stadium on 13 November (18:00 kick-off).

The return leg will be played on 17 November – fixture details have not been confirmed, according to SAFA.

South Africa are leading their qualification group, and wins this month will be vital.

Kenya has automatically qualified as a tournament co-host, leaving just one spot to fight for.

Pitso Mosimane has named several overseas-based stars for the ties, according to the SAFA website.

FOOTBALL EXPORTS performing abroad

*Players have been listed in the order they appear on the Bafana Bafana squad list

Samukele Kabini

Kabini is building a reputation as a strong utility defender for FC Molde in Norway.

He featured prominently in the 2-0 win over KFUM Oslo in September and was unbeaten on defence.

The former TS Galaxy defender scored in the crucial 2-1 win over Guinea in September.

Olwethu Makhanya

Makhanya is having a standout season with Rangers FC in Scotland.

The defender kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals on 31 October.

As reported by KickOff, former Rangers coach Ally McCoist has urged Makhanya to stay with the team for longer, instead of chasing another transfer move.

Ime Okon

Okon is still finding a regular place at Hannover 96 in Germany.

The impressive defender has remained on the bench for his team in their past five games.

He is still a key player for Bafana Bafana, including a crucial goal against Guinea in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers in September.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Mbokazi only recently returned to action after a long layoff due to a thigh injury.

He immediately picked up where he left off with his MLS club Chicago Fire.

Mbokazi has been consistently among the top-rated defenders in the American league.

Aden McCarthy

McCarthy is currently wearing the colours of Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK.

He was excellent in the UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund on 20 October.

The centre-back scored and was highly rated despite the 1-2 loss, as recorded by FlashScore.

Sphephelo Sithole

“Yaya” is currently boosting his stock with Portugal’s Tondela CD.

His recent games in the country’s second-tier league have all been off the bench.

Nationally, Sithole scored for Bafana during the 5-0 thrashing of Eritrea in September.

Luke le Roux

Le Roux is rising through the ranks at Cercle Brugge since his transfer from Portsmouth earlier in the season.

He provided an assist in the 1-2 Belgian Pro League loss to Anderlecht.

The former SuperSport United midfielder has made four starts for his new team.

Relebohile Mofokeng

Mofokeng has tapped into impressive form at Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.

The left winger has scored five times and provided four assists so far this season, according to Transfermarkt.

The former Orlando Pirates star has been worth every cent USG paid for his signature in June.

Thapelo Maseko

Maseko is currently sidelined after picking up an injury while on duty with FC Copenhagen in Denmark.

The winger is out for the “foreseeable future”, according to Soccer Laduma.

His return date is tentatively mid-November, putting his chances of facing Kenya at risk.

Luther Singh

Singh is currently signed with AEL Limassol in Cyprus, earning regular starts on the left wing.

He has scored twice and provided two assists to help his team stay fifth in the Cypriot First Division.

Devin Titus

Titus has begun making his mark with MAS Fès in Morocco.

He has provided two assists in the Botola Pro, with his team seventh in the standings.

Titus’ efforts earned him a call-up to the Bafana squad for the Kenya games after a long absence.

Lyle Foster

Foster is looking to revitalise his career on loan in the MLS with Houston Dynamo.

The forward had been under fire over his performances with Burnley and Bafana Bafana.

Foster completed his move in September and has already contributed a goal.

Puso Dithejane

Dithejane is still looking to cement his place in the Chicago Fire starting lineup.

He has scored six goals across all competitions since joining the MLS franchise in January, according to Transfermarkt.

Dithejane’s quality is undeniable, having scored the winner in South Africa’s friendly against Egypt in October.

WHICH SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL EXPORTS HAVE PERFORMED THE BEST ABROAD?

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