The resurgence of Bafana Bafana under head coach Pitso Mosimane is already putting several South African stars firmly on the radar of clubs in Europe.
While some players are still establishing themselves at their current clubs, the performances of Oswin Appollis and Olwethu Makhanya have reportedly attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest leagues.
Meanwhile, Lyle Foster faces a different situation as he looks to rebuild his momentum after falling out of the current Bafana picture.
Appollis attracting interest in France and Portugal
Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis is reportedly attracting interest from abroad following a strong start to the campaign.
French Ligue 1 club Strasbourg is said to be monitoring the 25-year-old, while Portuguese giants Porto have also been linked with an interest in the talented attacker.
Appollis has given European scouts plenty to watch during his recent international performances.
The Pirates star produced a spectacular display in Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea, registering three assists. It was the second time he had recorded three assists in a match for South Africa, having previously achieved the feat against Congo in 2024.
At club level, Appollis has contributed two goals and two assists in seven Betway Premiership appearances this season.
With Pirates preparing to face Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final, another impressive performance could further increase the attention surrounding the winger.
Makhanya making his mark at Rangers
Olwethu Makhanya is another Bafana defender whose stock is rising rapidly in Europe.
The 22-year-old joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union in July and has already established himself as an important part of the Scottish side’s defence.
Makhanya has featured in five of Rangers’ six league matches so far this season and has also played in the last two editions of the fiercely contested Old Firm derby against Celtic.
Remarkably, Rangers won both of those matches with Makhanya involved.
His performances have reportedly attracted attention from clubs across Europe’s top five leagues, with teams in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 understood to be monitoring his progress.
If the young defender maintains his current trajectory, Rangers could face increased enquiries when the transfer window opens next summer.
Foster looking to revive his career
For Lyle Foster, the situation is somewhat different.
The 26-year-old striker is currently outside Mosimane’s Bafana plans after being relegated from the Premier League with Burnley last season.
Foster subsequently moved to MLS side Houston Dynamo on loan as he looks to regain his form and consistency.
The Soweto-born striker has already experienced football in several countries. After beginning his professional career with Monaco, he had spells in Belgium and Portugal before spending three seasons in England with Burnley.
His immediate priority will be to rediscover his best form and force his way back into the Bafana conversation.
European interest a positive sign for Bafana
The growing attention around Appollis and Makhanya is encouraging for South African football.
Both players are still developing, but regular exposure to European football could further strengthen the national team’s options under Mosimane.
For Appollis, Saturday’s MTN8 final against Sundowns provides another opportunity to showcase his ability on a major stage.
And with the January transfer window approaching, the coming months could prove crucial for several Bafana stars looking to secure moves to bigger European leagues.
