Bafana stars who could play overseas
A selection of Bafana Bafana players may have attracted the attention of wealthy international buyers who are bound to come calling.
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?
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?
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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.
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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.
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