Bafana Bafana mentor Hugo Broos reckons Orlando Pirates young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi belongs in top European leagues.
African Times has taken it a step further and lists 10 South African youngsters who are destined for overseas moves to join the likes of Shandre Campbell, who’s in Belgium.
With the FIFA U20 World Cup starting this month, Amajita players will be in the shop window depending on how they perform in the global showpiece, and some form part of this list.
Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates/Bafana Bafana—20 years)
Regarded as the president of the 2000s, the winger has already played eight times for Bafana Bafana. He’s been linked to PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands), Minnesota United (USA), and Al-Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia). He’ll do well to wait for a European move, especially if PSV comes down South for him.
Kutlwano Letlhaku (Mamelodi Sundowns/SA U20—19 years)
Mamelodi Sundowns have apparently received offers from a few Portuguese clubs for Letlhaku. None have so far been accepted, but the interest is growing for the winger.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates/Bafana Bafana—19 years)
The center-back was excluded from the Amajita squad and added to the senior team. That’s how quickly he’s progressed. He turns 20 later this month.
Puso Dithejane (TS Galaxy – 21 years)
Dithejane is in the news after being named the Betway Premiership Player of the Month for August. Club boss Tim Sukazi is also on record saying there’s a Croatian club that has inquired about the Kaizer Chiefs youth product, while Dithejane was also linked to German side Wolfsburg in the past.
Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns/Bafana Bafana—21 years)
The center-back has been linked to French clubs, including Lille. Composed, he’s calm in defence and reads the game well. Those are attributes that would stand him in good stead.
Langelihle Phili (Stellenbosch/SA U20 – 20 years)
He continues to impress. He was a marvel to watch in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC), and this season, he’s taken his game up a notch, with two goals in four games.
Emile Witbooi (Cape Town City/SA U17 – 17 years)
A big prospect, and he’s already been to Chelsea for an assessment, with some rave reviews. He’s hugely talented, and if all goes well, there’s a very good chance he’d be more successful than his father, Bradley Ralani, who played for Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City.
Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy/Bafana Bafana—21 years)
He’s set to join Mamelodi Sundowns but then remain on loan at the Mpumalanga-based club. However, he’s now made his debut for Bafana Bafana against Tanzania in June, and the sky is the limit for him.
Neo Rapoo (Siwelele FC/SA U20 – 20 years)
Rapoo’s former coach Gavin Hunt said last year, “I don’t want to put pressure on him, but I think he’s the best left-back in South Africa. I think he will, or should, get 100 (Bafana Bafana) caps in my opinion, but obviously he may have to go to the right club.” The FIFA U20 World Cup will be a great opportunity to showcase his talent to overseas scouts.
Mduduzi Shabalala (Kaizer Chiefs/Bafana Bafana—21 years)
On his day, the attacking midfielder has a lot to offer. He’s already been to Spanish club Villarreal for an assessment and Belgian club KVC Westerlo. Recent reports suggest Austrian clubs have been keeping an eye on him.
