Bafana Bafana players are experiencing mixed fortunes abroad as Sport Plus looks at them and brings you an update on their progress. From the likes of Siyabonga Ngezana, Mihlali Mayamabela and Percy Tau, South African players are hoisting the flag in top leagues around the world.
While Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba and Njabulo Blom are sidelined owing to injuries, some of the stars such as the forgotten Gift Links are impressing in their respective leagues.
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This feature comes in handy as Bafana coach Hugo Broos is also tracking them because they have two crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers in just over a month. Bafana will travel to Nigeria in June before welcoming neighbours, Zimbabwe in their second qualifier slated for Youth Month in Mzansi.
Bafana Players Abroad: Checking Out the Best Performers
Siyabonga Ngezana:
The former Kaizer Chiefs defender is enjoying his life as a footballer in Romania. He has fitted in like a glove in a hand at FCSB where he is said to be attracting interest from top sides. The 26-year-old defender has already amassed 29 appearances, has a single goal and an assist in all competitions, and is seriously vying for a spot in the next Bafana squad.
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Percy Tau:
The Cairo-based Bafana talisman, Tau is on the verge of lifting his third CAF Champions League title with Al Ahly. The Red Devils are in the semi-finals and will welcome TP Mazembe this Friday. Tau made his long-awaited return to the match-day squad and will hope to guide Ahly to the final and return to the FIFA Club World Cup. Next to his name are 24 matches across all competitions plus six goals so far.
Gift Links:
Based in Denmark and plying his trade for Aarhus GF in the Superliga, the Rustenburg-born Bafana star continues to make headlines. He recently scored a crucial strike to help Aarhus reach the final of the DBU Pokalen. The talented winger has an impressive seven assists plus two goals out of 29 matches across all tournaments. While he is often overlooked, Broos will be forced to change his mind.
Mihlali Mayambela:
The Cape Town-born forward, Mayambela remains an unknown figure in Mzansi but he is a household name abroad. Currently contracted to Aris Limassol in Cyprus, the 27-year-old is a key figure for the club in the Cypriot First Division. Boasting seven strikes, and four assists from 38 games is a signal that he wants to be a regular for Bafana under Broos.
Sphephelo Sithole:
Sithole was in action for CD Tondela in Portugal last weekend as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Santa Clara. The Ulundi-born’s return from injury is a massive boost and relief to Broos ahead of the clashes against Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The Bafana international formed a solid partnership with Teboho Mokoena in the heart of the park at the recent AFCON.
Lebo Mothiba, Njabulo Blom, and Cassius Mailula:
Mothiba is yet to return to first-team football action as he was absent in their recent game against Lille when they lost 1-0 in France. In the Major League Soccer where Blom and Mailula are involved for their clubs, St Louis City FC and Toronto FC, there is little to write about as their league has just got underway. Blom is still nursing an injury while Mailula was an unused substitute against New England whom they beat 1-0 on Sunday.
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