Pitso Mosomane Explains Why South African Players Struggle to Thrive Abroad

• In the last few years, South African players have barely lit up top European leagues compared to their West African counterparts
• Lyle Foster was the only popular South African in the Premier League last season, but his team, Burnley, were relegated
• Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Pitso Mosimane, has shared his thoughts on why South African players are not excelling abroad

There is no doubt that the DStv Premiership is one of the best and richest leagues in Africa.

However, players from the PSL rarely make it to the top of European football, especially in leagues like the Premier League.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Pitso Mosimane, has given his take on why South African players struggle to make it in Europe.

A list of the best Nigerian players abroad: Super Eagles’ best footballers

Football

Most African footballers plying their trade in Europe are from West Africa, mainly from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Ghana. Some of Africa's greatest players are from this side of the continent.

The PSL is one of the most lucrative leagues, but few players move abroad and succeed. Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Percy Tau, Lyle Foster, and others have had varied success in Europe.

Mosimane on SA players struggling abroad

The former Al Ahly coach was confident about South African players in the last few years, but none have left a mark. The 59-year-old said, "It is a concern, and "it is not nice."

“We need to have the right product and the right players. Did you hear what John Barnes said about South African players? He said that we have players but we don’t easily have the right type of player for the English Premier League but West Africa has that type of player for the Premier League," via The Citizen.

Orlando Pirates legends: Top 10 all-time greats for The Sea Robbers

Football

Mosimane said his country doesn't produce the right product for the European market.

“Watch the Nigeria team play South Africa, where is that flair or whatever? But those guys are playing for AC Milan and Napoli. Why is that? It’s because you must have the right product for the right market."

Foster's Burnley were relegated from the Premier League last season. He was the only high-profile South African in the English top flight.

Kaizer Chiefs told to hire Pitso Mosimane

Sports Brief earlier reported on Muhsin Ertugral asking Kaizer Chiefs to appoint Pitso Mosimane instead of leading candidate Nasreddine Nabi as their coach.

Nabi is expected to become the new coach, but the former Amakhosi tactician believes Mosimane knows the club well.