Bafana Bafana look abroad: Which European and MLS stars could boost South Africa’s World Cup hopes
Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart could yet force his way into Hugo Broos’ World Cup plans, with his experience and all-round midfield qualities making him one to watch.
Image: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
South Africa’s shock exit from the Africa Cup of Nations has left Bafana Bafana and head coach Hugo Broos with serious questions to answer.
Knocked out in the round of 16, the Belgian tactician has highlighted a key weakness: the squad’s lack of European experience. While a largely domestic-based team earned bronze at the last Afcon, this year it lacked the composure and exposure needed to progress further.
With the World Cup in North America just months away, Broos faces the urgent task of assembling a squad capable of competing on football’s biggest stage.
IOL Sport profiles some of the South Africans plying their trade abroad and weighs who has the qualities to earn a place in the team. For a squad hungry to make an impact, Europe may hold the key to the depth, versatility, and experience Bafana desperately needs.
Mailula is a speedy forward whose intelligent movement and direct attacking intent pose a threat to opposition defenders. He is quick over short distances, which allows him to attack space behind defences and stretch back lines. The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward is contracted to MLS side Toronto FC, but is currently on loan at Belgian second tier side KV Kortrijk, where he has only played three times. The fact that it’s not the top tier of Belgian football might count against him, though.
Mihlali Mayambela
A forgotten name in South African football, Mayambela has been playing abroad for the last 10 years, featuring for a number of clubs in Sweden, Portugal and Israel. Currently, he plays for Cypriot side Aris Limassol. Unfortunately for Mayambela, he’s not performed consistently at the highest level, and is unlikely to add to his 16 international caps.
Luke Le Roux will be hoping to impress Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos with his performances for English Championship side Portsmouth.
Image: BackpagePix
Luke le Roux
Luke Le Roux is a technically adept central/defensive midfielder known for his composure on the ball, positional awareness, and ability to link play from deeper areas. The Portsmouth midfielder is a player that Broos has seen up and close. While he was dependable, he didn’t stand out enough to convince the Belgian to select him for the Africa Cup of Nations. Le Roux is not a regular starter in a team that’s struggling in the second tier of English football, which is not going to impress Broos.
The former Kaizer Chiefs captain is a player that Hugo Broos should definitely be taking a closer look at. Despite being currently injured, the 30-year-old has been forever present for SV Ried in the Austrian Bundesliga. They currently sit sixth in the league, trailing leaders RB Salzburg by six points. Maart is a versatile central midfielder known for his vision, passing, and ball control, combining playmaking ability with a high work rate and defensive support. Those traits would be very useful to Broos at the World Cup.
Ime Okon
The 21-year-old former SuperSport United defender is another that Broos could take a look at. Okon was set to feature during the World Cup qualification campaign, but was withdrawn from the squad due to an injury. He’s featured regularly for Hannover 96 in 2. Bundesliga. Okon is a pacey, strong central defender with solid tackling, marking, and aerial ability. His composure on the ball and defensive awareness make him reliable at the back. His chances of earning himself a spot in the team look promising.
Luther Singh was once touted as one of the most exciting young players in South Africa. But, since moving to Europe, he’s all but disappeared from out minds.
Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Luther Singh
Lyle Foster’s cousin, Luther Singh, is a dynamic South African winger known for his explosive pace, excellent dribbling ability, and threat in one-on-one situations. He was supposed to be one of the most exciting young players to come out of South Africa when he moved to Europe in 2015, but he never reached that potential. He’s jumped around a number of clubs in Europe’s lesser leagues, where he’s done well, but that won’t convince Broos to select him for the World Cup.
Philippe Sandler
Philippe Sandler has a commanding physical presence and good defensive fundamentals, including strong tackling, heading ability, and solid standing challenges. Born in the Netherlands to an American mother and a South African father, former Manchester City defender Sandler could be a longshot for selection, especially in a position where the coach has a number of talented options already available to him.
Playing in the US
Minnesota United's Bongokuhle Hlongwane has become a more rounded footballer this season, but continues to be left out of the Bafana Bafana squad.
Image: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP
The 25‑year‑old forward has been an important attacking figure for MLS side Minnesota United since joining ahead of the 2022 season from Maritzburg United, and he remains a key part of their lineup. Hlongwane led his team in goals during the 2024 season and has consistently contributed in attack, notching double‑digit goals while helping Minnesota into playoff contention. His pace, movement and finishing ability – along with his experience in a competitive foreign league – give him a strong case for inclusion in Broos’ plans, particularly if he is looking for dynamic options up front.
Olwethu Makhanya
The 21‑year‑old centre‑back has established himself as a regular starter for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer after joining from Stellenbosch FC in 2023. Makhanya’s performances in the MLS earned him a contract extension through 2027, underlining his importance to the side’s defence. Known for his composure, aerial strength and ability to organise the backline, he has played a key role in one of the league’s better defensive units – traits that could make him an intriguing option for Broos as he looks to fortify South Africa’s rearguard ahead of the World Cup.
As the World Cup approaches, Broos will have to weigh experience, form, and fitness carefully. Overseas-based players may not all be guaranteed starters, but their exposure to high-level competition could prove invaluable for a team determined to make its mark on football’s biggest stage.
IOL Sport