Siyanda Xulu is proof that not all South African players buckle under the pressures of a foreign country, language and culture.
It's six months since the 29-year-old returned abroad, this time joining Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli Premier League, a challenge he admits might very well have been the toughest in his career to date.
"It was very difficult to be honest because when I moved to Russia in 2012 I was playing regularly for Sundowns and I think I was on top of my game, which made things easier for me to adjust, though the conditions, like the weather, food, language and culture, didn't accommodate me," Xulu recalled his stint with Rostov in an exclusive interview with the Siya crew from Israel.
His departure from Maritzburg United prior to the resumption of the 2019/20 domestic league season came as a shock, especially given Xulu was captain and had been a contender for Defender of the Season about a year before that.
But the former Kaizer Chiefs centreback put that all behind him and, though Xulu had to be patient for several weeks, signed for Hapoel.
"But this move this time around was a bit difficult. It was the toughest – I had not played competitive football for almost nine months because of lockdown and I was coming back from an ankle injury that kept me out since November," he explains.
"Here at Hapoel they needed someone to step in immediately, especially because the log standing wasn't good when I arrived, we needed points and I needed to be on top of my game. I had to adjust to Israeli football and being alone again and all the requirements. I have started so many games and I feel I am back enjoying my top form – all of that considering I didn't play for nine months."
Now, Xulu is a regular and an important player in coach Nir Klinger's plans, and says the empty stands worked to his advantage when he arrived.
"I was very fortunate that there were no fans, I think that helped me. As a result it allowed me time to get a boost from the technical team and senior players at the club. I can only imagine if the fans were here," Xulu says.
"We know how they can be demanding, especially if you are a foreigner. I know the requirements and the demands. It would have been a bit difficult for me if the fans were around. But now I would love to have them back because I am on top of my game again."
