Lance Davids had two spells in Europe and got to play against some of the world's best players along the way, but missed out on a big opportunity to play in the English Premier League due to passport requirements. In this interview with Soccer Laduma, the former Bafana Bafana midfielder talks about the times he spent in German, Sweden and Belgium.
Clubs played for
I played for 1860 Munich in German, Djurgarden in Sweden and Lierse in Belgium
How the move happened
The move (to 1860 Munich) was through an agent, Glyn Binkin and Garry Bloomberg. I was playing for the national team and there was a guy who was from Germany who was watching the national team at the time. The move to Sweden was also through an agent after I was scouted. The move to Belgium was after the (2010) World Cup. As a player, the only thing I regret is that I could not play in England because of the passport requirements. That's the only thing I'd say I regret with my football career. I was on trial at Newcastle (United) and at Blackburn, but it was because of the passport requirements that did not allow me to play in England
My debut
It was special. We played against Bayern Munich and you get to play against the likes of Oliver Kahn, (Bixente) Lizarazu and all the top stars in that team. It was really special because my mom and dad were there in the crowd. When you make your professional debut, it's always good as a young player. I came on as substitute and we lost the game 1-0. Those games were always tight.
The rands and cents
Of course, in Europe there is more money. If you leave and play for a small team in Sweden... I'd say Sundowns can pay much better than a bottom team in Sweden
Best player I played with
There were many players and if I mention one, it's difficult. As a player, to be honest, I was fortunate to play with many good players, be it at club level or in the national team.
Best player I played against
Cristiano Ronaldo. He was always quicker than everyone. Like what everyone says about him now, he is just one special talent. I played against him when Bafana Bafana played against Portugal.
Any current players in the PSL good enough to play in Europe
I can mention a few, but sometimes we over-value our players. That is the problem. There are a few at Sundowns who can go, but South Africa overprices players, which is crazy because I always say Europe is not waiting for South Africa. There are a few who can go.
