Bafana Bafana legend Aaron Mokoena recently shared his thoughts on the trend of South African players, including Kobamelo Kodisang and Aphelele Teto, leaving European clubs to join the DStv Premiership.
This phenomenon is not new, as seen with players like Kamohelo Mokotjo, Keagan Dolly, Bongani Zungu, and Tashreeq Matthews, who have made similar moves in recent years.
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Kodisang, who was unveiled by Mamelodi Sundowns this Tuesday, returns to South Africa after a seven-year stint in Europe, playing for Portuguese clubs SC Braga and Moreirense FC.
Teto, on the other hand, has joined Chippa United after a brief period with Scottish Premiership club Livingston, which he joined from TS Galaxy.
Speaking to Radio2000's GameOn, Mokoena expressed mixed feelings about these moves. He particularly highlighted Teto's situation, suggesting that a loan to another European club might have been more beneficial for his career.
"Coming back home like for instance we had this boy from Chippa who had just signed with Chippa right now, Teto – one of the best! You know, I spoke to his manager in Scotland he admired the boy, and he wanted to sign the boy. I know the problem was that he needed to have national team caps to be able to sign the contract, that's how it is unfortunately in (British) football if you like," Mokoena told GameOn on Radio2000.
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"So, he couldn't because of a lack of playing for Bafana Bafana. But I could've loaned him somewhere in Europe. Yes, I know coming back, he is going to play for one of the big clubs in the PSL which is Chippa but loan him somewhere.
"But coming back home at the age of 24. Twenty (one)? It absolutely makes me think. But then again, it's the people that are surrounding these players and advising these players. But I always say people who are surrounding these players are working for these players and the decision comes from these players," Mokoena added.
Regarding Kodisang, Mokoena seemed more conflicted, questioning the advisement and decision-making processes surrounding the player.
Mokoena dismissed the notion that returning to South Africa is primarily for gaining visibility for national team selection. He emphasized that Bafana Bafana's coach, Hugo Broos, is well-informed about players competing abroad.
"With that, I honestly don't think it's a valid reason because, Hugo Broos, he has absolutely contact. We know what's happening out there, we know the players playing abroad, we know the players playing week in and week out.
"When you play in a big league in Europe and come to play for Bafana it sorts of an intimidation to other countries if you know what I mean and that helps, it actually helps," Mokoena added.
Mokoena hopes that current players abroad, resist the allure of returning too soon, as playing in top foreign leagues brings invaluable experience and prestige that benefits both the players and the national team.
As the South African football landscape continues to evolve, the decisions of players like Kodisang and Teto will undoubtedly influence future trends. With figures like Lyle Foster representing South Africa in England, the debate over the best path for player development remains a hot topic among football enthusiasts and experts like Mokoena.
