South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) is one of the most developed leagues on the continent. We all know about the beef between the Kaizer Chiefs and the Orlando Pirates
But some players have the chance to head over to the UK to launch their careers in Europe: here are eight of the South Africans who have played in the Premier League in no particular order.
Kagisho has played for Fulham (2009-2011) and Crystal Palace (2011-2014) and is now currently with Cardiff City.
He notoriously slapped Scott Parker during his first appearance for Fulham – he was sent off for the action. Kagisho has played for South Africa during the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fortune’s career in the UK started at the age of 14 when he moved to train with Tottenham Hotspur.
He joined Manchester United in 1999 until 2005, after a spell in La Liga since 1995 (he had to leave the UK after struggling to get a work permit). After being released from Alex Ferguson’s squad in 2006, he joined Bolton Wanderers for one year. He was released from the agreement (mainly due to injuries) and went on to play for Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and Sheffield United under trial. Fortune now coaches.
The Cape Town-born player comes from a family of footballers (both his brothers play professionally).
Mccarthy played in South Africa before a move to La Liga for Celta Vigo and then Porto. He joined the Premier League when he signed a four-year contract with Blackburn Rovers (2006 to 2011), after its completion he moved to West Ham United.
He’s the top-scorer in history for Bafana Bafana.
Mokoena made his ‘dream’ move to the Premier League joining Blackburn Rovers in 2005 until 2009.
He then signed a three-year contract with Portsmouth. After Portsmouth went into administration, Mokoena’s contract was suspended – he then returned to SA to play for Braamfontein-based team Bidvest Wits FC.
Pattison moved to the UK from Johannesburg when he was 11 years old.
He joined the Newcastle Youth Academy and went on to play for the senior team from 2005 to 2007. He then went on to join SA Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.
Former Premier League team, Charlton Athletic FC signed Bartlett in 2000. He stayed with the team until 2006 when he was released by the team.
Bartlett returned to SA to play for the Kaizer Chiefs in 2008. Perhaps the best thing about Barlett is his story about the day that Nelson Mandela came to his wedding.
Otherwise he was a Bafana Bafana captain who scored at the World Cup, was triumphant at the African Cup of Nations, scored against all the big teams in the Premier League and, yes, Nelson Mandela did go to his wedding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp3NwuVs0wI
Tokelo is a striker for Bournemouth. He joined Malmö FF in 2012 and was sold on to the Premier League team. He made his debut in 2013.
The striker recently sustained an injury to his shin, from which he is currently recovering.
Former captain of the South African national team, the winger has currently been at Everton since 2007.
He had a spell at Tottenham Spur but his many injuries meant he did not make much of an impression.