CITY OF GOLD

THE GAUTENG PROVINCE, MORE SPECIFICALLY JOHANNESBURG HAVE PRODUCED THE RICHEST RESERVOIR OF TOP FOOTBALLING TALENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA

- Mogamad Allie

Many footballers from Gauteng have played with distinction in Europe and the United States, which for many years, especially during the Apartheid era, was the easiest avenue open to talented black footballers to play outside the country.

It was easier for white players, particularly those with European heritage, to make the move to Europe.

GORDON HODGSON

Benoni-born Gordon Hodgson won two caps for the South African team before going on to don the Three Lions shirt of England three times, making his debut against Ireland on 20 October 1930. He made his name as a top striker with Liverpool. Hodgson scored 241 goals in 377 appearances for the Reds, elevating him to third place in the club's all-time top goalscorers list behind club legends lan Rush (386) and Roger Hunt (285).

BILL PERRY

Perry was born in Johannesburg, he started out with local side Rangers before being offered a trial in 1949 as a 19-year-old with Blackpool in England. During a 13-year spell with the seaside club, Perry became a club legend being inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2006. He famously scored an injurytime winner in the 1953 FA Cup final against Bolton Wanderers as his side completed a remarkable comeback, overturning a 3-1 down to emerge 4-3 winners. His 20 goals in the 1955/56 season helped Blackpool to a runnersup finish in the first division, their highest ever in the topflight.

DAVID JULIUS