Bafana Bafana players are displaying great promise to play in the best football league in the world, the English Premier League. Olwethu Makhanya, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng are making English scouts sit up.
Makhanya, 22, is making waves in Scotland, Mbokazi, 21, is flying in Major League Soccer, while Mofokeng, 21, is shining in Belgium.
All three leagues are established stepping stones towards England. Makhanya’s Rangers and Mofokeng’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise transferred six players to the Premier League this season.
BAFANA BAFANA STAR MAKHANYA ALREADY ATTRACTING PREMIER LEAGUE ATTENTION
Makhanya looks to be leading the charge to England. The Durban-born central defender is the reigning Scottish Premiership Player of the Month. He has become the subject of interest from Brentford and Sunderland.
Should Makhanya maintain consistency, a move to the Premier League next season or as early as January will not land as a surprise.
MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI AND RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG ALSO ATTRACTING ATTENTION
Mbokazi is another Bafana Bafana star who has reportedly attracted interest from England. He joined Chicago Fire FC in January but has already been linked with Nottingham Forest.
He was named the fourth-best player in the MLS Under 22 best young talent rankings. Mbokazi’s composure, physical presence and ability to build attacks appeals to English clubs. Consistency will be the difference in whether he makes the leap to England as soon as next season.
Meanwhile, Mofokeng, linked with Brighton and Chelsea among other clubs from France and Germany, offers something different. The attacking midfielder has the technical ability, creativity and close control to trouble defenders. Having arrived at the Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise in August, Mofokeng has delivered four goals and two assists in 12 games.
Makhanya, Mbokazi and Mofokeng still have work to do before reaching England. However, their progress gives South African football supporters reasons to be optimistic.
A Premier League move would be a major achievement for each player. It could also strengthen the reputation of South African talent in the international transfer market.
Which Bafana Bafana star do you back to reach the English Premier League first: Makhanya, Mbokazi or Mofokeng?
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