The global rise of PSL talent

The Betway Premiership has transformed from an overlooked backwater into one of Africa’s most productive fishing ponds for international talent scouts.

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For decades, South African football has been celebrated for its flair, resilience and unique identity. Yet, for much of that time, the country’s players were often overlooked in the global transfer market, overshadowed by the seemingly endless conveyor belt of talent from West Africa and North Africa. That narrative is changing and changing fast. The recent wave of transfers involving local players to Europe, Asia, and North America signals a new era in which South African footballers are not only recognised but actively sought after. With Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s blockbuster move from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire and Puso Dithejane’s subsequent switch to the same Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit, the spotlight has firmly shifted to South Africa as a fertile ground for overseas recruitment. Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver explores the growing demand for South African players, the factors driving this surge, and what it means for the PSL, Bafana Bafana and the global football ecosystem.

leagues. His move represents the new generation of players bypassing traditional pathways to reach European football directly. These moves collectively paint a picture of a football nation whose players are no longer confined to domestic stardom but are increasingly part of the global conversation.

Historical context

To understand the significance of this current wave, it's essential to examine South Africa’s recent history in player exports. The early 2000s saw players like Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar and Quinton Fortune establishing South African credentials in top European leagues. However, the subsequent decade brought a noticeable drought in overseas moves, with most South African players remaining in domestic competition or moving to lower-tier international leagues.