South African Bafana Bafana Players in Europe 2023 – South African footballers playing abroad, These players’ presence in various leagues around the world highlights the diversity and quality of South African soccer talent, despite the country’s undefeated streak in major tournaments affecting player migration to top European levels.
In recent years, the South African football landscape has witnessed something unique: an unbeaten run in major competitions. While this achievement raised national pride, it also raised questions about the exposure of the country’s players in Europe’s top leagues.
The South African Football Association’s cautious approach to sending talent abroad, due to continued success at the international level, has led to changes in the supply of players. This article looks at the current state of South African players overseas and their participation in well-known and lesser-known competitions around the world.
Top tier Leagues in Europe
South African Bafana Bafana Players in Europe 2023
| England | ||
| L. Foster | Premier League | Burnley |
| E. Chislett | League One | Port Vale |
| S. Ligendza | National League | Fylde |
| M. Travis | Highland / L… | Berwick Rangers |
| C. Ubaezuonu | National Lea… | Chorley |
| Spain | ||
| L. Alset | Segunda Divi… | Tudelano |
| Germany | ||
| B. Mashigo | 3. Liga | Unterhaching |
| France | ||
| L. Mothiba | Ligue 1 | Strasbourg |
| Armenia | ||
| J. Clifford | Premier League | Van |
| Australia | ||
| A. Bender | Queensland NPL | Rochedale Rovers |
| Belgium | ||
| K. Groeneveld | First Amateu… | Hoogstraten |
| Canada | ||
| C. Mailula | MLS | Toronto |
| Cyprus | ||
| M. Mayambela | 1. Division | Aris Limassol |
| Denmark | ||
| G. Links | Superliga | AGF |
| Finland | ||
| D. Smith | Veikkausliiga | Inter Turku |
| Y. Baliso | Veikkausliiga | Oulu |
| Georgia | ||
| B. Mzwakali | Erovnuli Liga | Dila |
| T. Tshabalala | Erovnuli Liga 2 | Merani Tbilisi |
| S. Mathenjwa | Erovnuli Liga 2 | Spaeri |
| M. Tshwale | Erovnuli Liga 2 | Spaeri |
| T. Maimane | Liga 3 | Bakhmaro |
| Korea Republic | ||
| L. Veldwijk | K League 1 | Suwon |
| Kosovo | ||
| S. Dube | Superliga | Liria Prizren |
| Malaysia | ||
| A. Robertson | Super League | Kedah |
| Norway | ||
| K. Ayer | Eliteserien | Sandefjord |
| Portugal | ||
| K. Shinga | Primeira Liga | Estrela |
| K. Kodisang | Primeira Liga | Moreirense |
| T. Phete | Primeira Liga | Chaves |
| S. Sithole | Segunda Liga | Tondela |
| M. Mabuza | Campeonato d… | Louletano |
| Republic of Ireland | ||
| K. Mashigo | First Division | Finn Harps |
| Romania | ||
| S. Ngezana | Liga I | FCSB |
| Russia | ||
| T. Cele | Premier League | Fakel |
| Scotland | ||
| A. Teto | Premiership | Livingston |
| K. Jacobs | Championship | Arbroath |
| K. Jacobs | League One | Edinburgh City |
| R. Read | Highland / L… | Deveronvale |
| Serbia | ||
| K. Abrahams | Super Liga | Novi Pazar |
| Sweden | ||
| L. Jordan | Allsvenskan | Brommapojkarna |
| T. Matthews | Allsvenskan | Sirius |
| L. Le Roux | Allsvenskan | Varberg |
| N. Ntuli | Ettan | Dalkurd |
| K. Masangane | Ettan | United Nordic |
| D. Solomons | Ettan | Piteå |
| Türkiye | ||
| D. Ndlovu | 1. Lig | Sakaryaspor |
| USA | ||
| N. Blom | MLS | St. Louis City |
| B. Carnell | MLS | St. Louis City |
| T. Ntsabeleng | MLS | Dallas |
| O. Makhanya | MLS | Philadelphia Union |
| B. Hlongwane | MLS | Minnesota United |
| Y. Matthews | USL Championship | Detroit City |
| L. Mfeka | USL Championship | Oakland Roots |
| T. Moshobane | USL Championship | San Diego Loyal |
| N. Bartman | USL League One | Forward Madison |
| P. Dlamini | USL League One | Lexington |
| A. Bosua | USL League One | Tormenta |
| F. Hunt | NISA | Savannah Clovers |
| T. Mondi | MLS Next Pro | Real Monarchs |
| Thaabit Baartman | USL League Two | Ventura County Fusion |
| R. Naidoo | USL League Two | Park City Red Wolves |
| W. Wessels | USL League Two | North Carolina Fusion |
| L. Tom | NPSL | Jacksonville Armada II |
| T. Chawirah | NPSL | Appalachian |
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