South African football continues to make its mark beyond the country’s borders, with several Bafana Bafana internationals showcasing their talent in different leagues around the world.
With head coach Pitso Mosimane preparing his squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Kenya, attention has turned to how South Africa’s overseas-based players are performing at their respective clubs.
Thirteen players in the latest Bafana Bafana squad are currently based outside South Africa, representing clubs in Europe, North America and other parts of Africa.
While some have established themselves as important figures at their clubs, others are still fighting for regular playing time, recovering from injuries or adjusting to new environments.
Here is a closer look at how the 13 overseas-based Bafana Bafana stars are getting on.
Bafana Bafana Prepare for Crucial Kenya Double-Header
South Africa are preparing for two important encounters against Kenya as the race for qualification for the 2027 AFCON continues.
Bafana Bafana will host the Harambee Stars at Orlando Stadium on 13 November, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
The return fixture is scheduled for 17 November, although the venue and kick-off details are yet to be confirmed in the supplied report.
With South Africa leading their qualification group, positive results in both matches could strengthen their position.
Kenya, meanwhile, have already secured automatic qualification as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, leaving the remaining qualification place up for grabs.
Mosimane will be hoping his overseas-based players bring their international experience and club form into the national team setup.
How Bafana Bafana’s 13 Overseas Stars Are Performing
1. Samukele Kabini – Molde FK (Norway)
Position: Defender
Samukele Kabini continues to build his reputation as a dependable defensive option at Norwegian club Molde FK.
The former TS Galaxy defender has impressed with his versatility and defensive discipline. He was particularly influential during Molde’s 2-0 victory over KFUM Oslo in September.
Kabini has also demonstrated his attacking potential, scoring in Bafana Bafana’s important 2-1 qualifying victory over Guinea.
His growing experience in European football could make him an important asset for South Africa.
2. Olwethu Makhanya – Rangers FC (Scotland)
Position: Defender
Olwethu Makhanya is enjoying an impressive spell at Scottish giants Rangers.
The defender delivered a strong performance in the 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-final on 31 October, helping his side secure a clean sheet.
His performances have attracted positive attention, with former Rangers coach Ally McCoist reportedly encouraging him to remain at the club and continue developing rather than rushing into another transfer.
Makhanya is increasingly looking like one of South Africa’s promising defensive exports.
3. Ime Okon – Hannover 96 (Germany)
Position: Defender
Ime Okon is experiencing a more challenging period in Germany as he continues searching for consistent first-team opportunities at Hannover 96.
The talented defender has reportedly spent the club’s previous five matches on the bench.
Despite his limited club involvement, Okon remains part of the Bafana Bafana plans.
His important contribution, including a goal against Guinea in the AFCON qualifiers, demonstrates the quality he can bring to the national team.
Regular playing time will be crucial if he wants to establish himself further in Germany.
4. Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Chicago Fire (USA)
Position: Defender
Mbekezeli Mbokazi is gradually getting back to business after recovering from a lengthy thigh injury.
The Chicago Fire defender has returned to action and appears determined to regain his best form.
His performances in Major League Soccer have attracted positive ratings, highlighting his potential to become an important figure in American football.
His return is encouraging news for Bafana Bafana, particularly with important international fixtures approaching.
5. Aden McCarthy – Sabah FK (Azerbaijan)
Position: Centre-back
Aden McCarthy is gaining valuable experience with Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK.
One of his notable performances came against German giants Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on 20 October.
Despite Sabah suffering a 2-1 defeat, McCarthy reportedly impressed by scoring and delivering a strong individual performance.
Playing against high-profile European opposition is an important opportunity for the young defender to develop his game.
6. Sphephelo Sithole – CD Tondela (Portugal)
Position: Midfielder
Sphephelo Sithole, popularly known as Yaya, is continuing his football journey in Portugal with CD Tondela.
The midfielder has recently been making appearances from the bench in Portugal’s second-tier competition as he works towards securing a regular starting position.
However, his contribution to the national team remains valuable.
Sithole found the back of the net during Bafana Bafana’s reported 5-0 victory over Eritrea, underlining his ability to contribute offensively.
7. Luke Le Roux – Cercle Brugge (Belgium)
Position: Midfielder
Luke Le Roux is working towards establishing himself at Belgian side Cercle Brugge following his move from Portsmouth.
The former SuperSport United midfielder has already made four starts for his new club.
He also registered an assist in the 2-1 defeat against Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League.
His progress will be worth monitoring as he continues adapting to Belgian football.
8. Relebohile Mofokeng – Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium)
One of the standout performers
Position: Winger
Relebohile Mofokeng is arguably among the most exciting South African football exports at the moment.
The former Orlando Pirates sensation has reportedly enjoyed an impressive start at Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.
According to the figures provided in the original report, Mofokeng has registered five goals and four assists this season.
His creativity, attacking movement and ability to influence matches have made him an exciting prospect to watch.
Having made the transition from South African football to Europe, Mofokeng appears to be adapting well to his new environment.
His performances could make him one of Bafana Bafana’s most important attacking weapons.
9. Thapelo Maseko – FC Copenhagen (Denmark)
Position: Winger
Thapelo Maseko is currently facing a frustrating spell after suffering an injury while representing FC Copenhagen.
The winger has reportedly been ruled out for the foreseeable future, with his potential return expected around mid-November.
This creates uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming Kenya double-header.
Maseko’s pace and attacking ability make him a valuable option for Bafana Bafana, and supporters will be hoping he recovers quickly.
10. Luther Singh – AEL Limassol (Cyprus)
Position: Winger
Luther Singh is enjoying regular football with Cypriot outfit AEL Limassol.
The winger has been receiving consistent starting opportunities on the left flank and has contributed two goals and two assists.
His performances have helped the club remain fifth in the Cypriot First Division standings.
For Singh, regular playing time is particularly important as he looks to maintain his place in the national team setup.
11. Devin Titus – MAS Fès (Morocco)
Position: Attacker
Devin Titus is gradually making his presence felt in Moroccan football with MAS Fès.
The attacker has registered two assists in the Botola Pro, contributing to his team’s campaign.
His performances have also helped him earn a return to the Bafana Bafana squad after an extended absence.
The Kenya fixtures could provide Titus with an opportunity to remind supporters and the technical team of his attacking qualities.
12. Lyle Foster – Houston Dynamo (USA)
Position: Striker
Lyle Foster is looking to revive his career following his move to Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo.
The striker joined the American club on loan in September after facing criticism over his performances at Burnley and for the national team.
He has already contributed a goal since making the switch, offering some encouragement as he works towards rediscovering his best form.
Foster remains an important attacking option for South Africa, and consistent performances in the MLS could help restore his confidence.
13. Puso Dithejane – Chicago Fire (USA)
Position: Attacker
Puso Dithejane is continuing his development in the United States with Chicago Fire.
Although he is still working towards securing a regular starting position, the attacker has demonstrated his scoring ability.
According to the statistics cited in the supplied report, Dithejane has scored six goals across all competitions since joining the MLS club in January.
He also made headlines by scoring the winning goal in South Africa’s October friendly against Egypt.
His versatility and attacking contributions could make him an interesting option for Mosimane.
Who Is Performing Best Among Bafana Bafana’s Overseas Players?
Based on the performances and statistics outlined above, Relebohile Mofokeng stands out as one of the leading performers.
His reported five goals and four assists at Union Saint-Gilloise represent an impressive contribution, particularly considering his transition from South African football to Europe.
Other players attracting attention include:
- Aden McCarthy: Impressive individual performance against Borussia Dortmund.
- Olwethu Makhanya: Strong defensive displays at Rangers.
- Samukele Kabini: Growing consistency at Molde.
- Luther Singh: Regular playing opportunities and goal contributions at AEL Limassol.
- Puso Dithejane: Impressive scoring record and international contribution.
However, players such as Ime Okon and Thapelo Maseko have different challenges to overcome, with limited game time and injury concerns respectively.
Final Thoughts
South Africa’s growing number of footballers competing abroad is an encouraging development for the national team.
From Belgium and Scotland to Germany, Portugal, Norway and the United States, Bafana Bafana players are gaining exposure to different football cultures and competitive environments.
While some are thriving, others still have important work to do to establish themselves at their clubs.
As the Kenya fixtures approach, the big question is whether these overseas-based stars can translate their club experiences into strong performances for the national team.
Which Bafana Bafana player based abroad do you think is performing the best?
