Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, has raised concerns about the hefty R97 million (€5 million) price tag placed on Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Teboho Mokoena. The 27-year-old’s exceptional performance during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year has attracted international interest. However, the high valuation by Sundowns has reportedly hindered his potential move to Europe.
Mokoena’s agent, Lance Davids, confirmed on Metro FM Sport that Sundowns had priced the Bafana star at €5 million, a figure that has been a stumbling block for overseas clubs keen on the midfielder. Speaking on the matter, Broos expressed his doubts about whether any European team would be willing to pay that amount for a South African footballer, no matter how talented.
“He’s a South African Footballer” – Broos
Broos explained his stance, stating that while Mokoena performed admirably at AFCON, the steep price tag is a significant deterrent. “If it is true they [Sundowns] asked for €5 million, nobody, nobody will pay that for Mokoena, why? Because he is only… excuse me for saying this, but he is only a South African footballer,” Broos said bluntly.
The coach’s concern is rooted in the lack of South African players making a significant mark abroad in recent years. He compared the situation to countries like Senegal, Morocco, and Ivory Coast, where numerous players are plying their trade in top European leagues. “We don’t have any history of South African footballers playing abroad for a long time now,” Broos added.
The Need for More South Africans Abroad
Broos believes that South Africa’s limited representation in European football is due in part to the country’s struggles on the international stage. However, he remains hopeful that with better performances, particularly from the national team, South African players like Mokoena could attract more realistic offers from European clubs.
“You see what happens after AFCON, suddenly there was interest,” said Broos. “We are on a good path, but we’re still not where we want to be.” The Belgian tactician emphasised that consistent results with Bafana Bafana could open more doors for local players to secure international opportunities.
Mokoena’s Form and National Call-Up
Despite being sidelined for Mamelodi Sundowns’ last five matches, Teboho Mokoena has still been called up by Hugo Broos for Bafana Bafana’s AFCON qualifiers. The coach clearly values Mokoena’s abilities, but his concerns about the midfielder’s price tag reveal a larger issue—South African footballers’ struggle to break into international markets.
Broos’ comments highlight a broader challenge faced by South African football. While there’s undeniable talent, the inflated valuation of local players may be preventing them from getting the exposure they need abroad. As Broos continues to work on building a competitive national team, his criticism serves as a reminder that the future success of South African footballers depends on striking the right balance between talent and marketability.
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