South African football has really seen some special characters set light our brand of football as well as grace the field of European clubs too.
Here are five of the most popular players to have laid claim to fame in South Africa's Beautiful Game.
Steven Pienaar
The Everton midfielder has been a popular figure of late and hate in the country. When he first burst onto the scene he became the apple of many fans' eyes. His quick feet and skill saw him and his talent exported to Europe where he played in Holland, Germany and England.
His rise to fame and fortune also saw him handed the captain's armband for Bafana Bafana, but after spending a few years leading the nation he opted to hang up his national boots, citing he needed to preserve his body.
His sudden withdrawal from the squad was met with some angry responses from various, with many feeling he betrayed the country. Nonetheless, he is still loved by many
Benni McCarthy
Undoubtedly our country's greatest ever-striking export, Benni is the most successful South African to have come out of Mzansi.
Having won the UEFA Champions League with Porto under Jose Mourinho, Benni set waves that no other players from South Africa has produced yet.
Although he may have been criticized for his weight gain and over indulgence in food, McCarthy is one of the most loved stars in the game and rightly so… From his charisma to his striking potency, he will forever be remembered by 'Benni is in the 18-yard areaaaaa'.
Mark Fish
The former Orlando Pirates defender nearly landed up playing for the same club his fellow compatriot. Quinton Fortune, did, Manchester United. But that was never the case and he landed up making a move to Italy.
Regarded as one of the best men to slot in the backline for Bafana Bafana, Gappie was also an influential member of the 1996 African Cup of Nations winning squad.
Despite having played quite a while back, Fish is a highly popular to this day and is often seen at sporting events. He was recently a team leader in the first edition of Survivor South Africa.
Lucas Radebe
One of Mark Fish's best friend, Radebe is the idol of South African football. Regarded as the father of the game, Radebe is probably the most popular figure in the past and present game in the country.
Slotting into defence, Radebe was always come and collected and continuously sported a smile on the field.
His influence in South African football saw him, along with Fish and Doctor Khumalo on our list; lift the 1996 African Cup of Nations trophy. By that stage of his career he was already playing in England for Leeds United and his popularity spread over to Britain too.
Largely admired by The Peacocks' fans, a famous band, Kaiser Chiefs, actually landed up naming their group after Radebe's affiliations to his former club Kaizer Chiefs.
Doc Khumalo
Although some may question why he became bigger than Manchester United's Fortune, Doc is a household name in Mzansi.
His legendary status earned during his time at a successful Kaizer Chiefs, was also accumulated for his influences in the national team as he participated in South Africa's re-admission into the 1992 World Cup.
Currently working on the tactical bench for the Amakhosi, the smiling 47 year old is loved by all sets of fans across the country.
Who is your favourite player on this list?
