South African football has seen a number of its players ply their trade in the United States of America (USA) over the years. Following Njabulo Blom’s recent move abroad to St. Louis City, Soccer Laduma looks at some of the South African players who have played in the USA.
Blom will join fellow South Africans Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Katlego Ntsabeleng, who both play for Minnesota United and FC Dallas respectively. The list of South Africans who have played in the USA includes greats such as Doctor Khumalo, Jomo Sono, Kaizer Motaung, Shaun Bartlett and the late ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, as well as Nkosinathi Nhleko, Kamohelo Mokotjo, George Lebese, Davide Somma, Lebo Moloto and Danleigh Borman.
Ephraim “Jomo Sono” Matsilele played with Pele. Jomo Sono was for me also one of the football greatest son’s. If it was not for the Apartheid regime, he would have emerged at the World Cup and showcased his God given talent.@JomoCosmos_FC pic.twitter.com/vBHKDF6otw
— Zikode (@LaDumezulu) January 1, 2023
Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm also had a spell in the USA for Phoenix Rising, before returning to the PSL to play for Chippa United, Maritzburg United and Marumo Gallants.
South Africa has also been represented by Banyana Banyana stars in the USA, with Janine van Wyk, Linda Motlhalo, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Thembi Kgatlana all having played in the country.
The move of South African players to the USA is indicative of the growing internationalisation of the game, with countries around the world increasingly looking to South Africa for talent.
Let’s do 2023! A big year awaits us. Bafana have to & will qualify for AFCON Banyana will compete at the women’s WC in July/August our u17 boys will be at AFCON in Algeria come April . And the u23’s will continue their quest for qualification to AFCON & Olympics pic.twitter.com/lfXE28SpON
— SA Football 1st (@RSAFutbol) January 1, 2023
