As Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI) announced its expansion into the African football market, we examine why Siyabonga Mabena and Neo Bohloko have the potential to become superstars.
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The story
RNSI continues its foray into the African football market, marking a significant milestone in the agency's global growth.
RNSI first established a footprint in Africa in 2021 through a consultancy partnership with Betway Premiership giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, which successfully continues to this day.
Furthermore, Emile Witbooi, one of South Africa's most highly-regarded young talents, recently signed with Roc Nation.
In announcing its African expansion, RNSI has signed on two more of Mzansi’s top teenage football prodigies, Siyabonga Mabena and Neo Bohloko.
RNSI's new teenage prodigies also hail from Ghana, Nigeria, The Gambia, Guinea and Zimbabwe, have been carefully identified for their capabilities and commitment on and off the field.
Kaizer Chiefs' Bohloko and Sundowns' Mabena will be joined by Ali Umar (Central Midfielder, Ghana, Koforidua Semper FI FC), Joseph Narbi (Winger, Ghana, Benab FC), Francis Gomez (Winger, The Gambia, Sibonor United), Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku (Attacking Midfielder, Nigeria, Tripple 44), Mamadou Diallo (Attacker, Guinea, Al Nasr) and Tadiwa Chakuchichi (Winger, Zimbabwe, Scotland FC) on RNSI's roster.
Looking closely at Mzansi's newest Roc Nation stars, Mabena and Bohloko both present themselves well enough on social media to attract brands to collaborate with them, potentially following in the footsteps of Siphiwe Tshabalala and Teko Modise.
Mabena has already fronted a couple of campaigns for adidas and will hope to put his injury woes behind him in the 2025/26 season to earn himself more opportunities in Masandawana's stacked first team.
RNSI's approach in Africa centres on forging strong partnerships across key regions, with the aim of not only developing elite football talent but also providing the guidance and support necessary for young athletes to succeed at the highest levels of the sport and achieve their full potential.
The vision is to extend RNSI's successful global model to Africa while retaining a personalised, targeted approach to identifying and nurturing top youth prospects.
A tangible sign of this expansion is the recent recruitment of several promising young players from various African countries.
This strategic initiative comes after a year of thorough research and careful planning, underscoring RNSI's dedication to making a meaningful, long-term contribution to the African continent.
Other regions on the continent where RNSI will be working include the Ivory Coast and Zambia, with more player signings expected soon.
"We believe Africa is a hotbed of untapped footballing potential, and our expansion here is a natural progression of our global vision. Our strategy is built on deep collaboration with local partners, allowing us to understand and address the unique needs of African players, ensuring they receive the best possible support to reach their full potential," said RNSI's Head of Global Recruitment for Football, Nathan Campbell.
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the newest member of our RNSI football management team, Director of Africa recruitment Grant Veitch, who has been instrumental in the execution of this expansion project," added Campbell.
Roc Nation Sports International's expansion into Africa highlights its strong dedication to discovering and developing the next generation of football stars, as Bohloko and Mabena take an exciting new step in their professional football careers.
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