SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL

This year, the global spotlight will be on Africa. When it comes to African football, this is a stark contrast from the past and proof of a shifting landscape. The past few years have seen the rise of the ‘African’ star. Premier League clubs now rely heavily on their African players. Think about Chelsea without Essien or Drogba. Manchester City without Adebaor, Everton without Yakubu, Arsenal without Song… The list goes on.

There is a saying that ‘Europe plays football, Africa plays soccer’. The reason for this is a simple matter of style. Europe is all about technique, tactics and discipline. Africa has technique and tactics but more than anything, their greatest asset is passion. It has been one of the biggest frustrations for Bafana Bafana’s (the South African national soccer team) fans. When it comes to a ‘big’ game Bafana can kick ball with the best but stick them in a friendly and they will disappoint you. That’s where the exposure to European football clubs has helped South African players and African players in general. Some of South Africa’s best players have plied their trade in the English Premier League. Quinton Fortune donned the Red of Manchester United while the iconic Bafana captain, Lucas Radebe is a legend amongst Leeds fans. Now the likes of Steven Pienaar and Aaron Mokoena fly the South African flag in one of the world’s greatest Leagues. Benni McCarthy is a UEFA Champions League winner with Porto. He put two past Manchester United on his way to securing a winner medal with Jose Mourinho.

Now Europe comes to Africa and it is a chance for Africa’s greatest talent to shine on home soil. We take a look at some of the bright stars of South African football and zoom in even closer at the playing conditions and boots we can expect to see come June 2010.

So who are the next batch of players to make a noise in Europe? With the World Cup in their backyard, South African’s have a great opportunity to show their worth to the elite. Here are some of the players we think can make a big impact for Bafana and perhaps for a Premier League club come next season.

Itumeleng Khune: The young (just 22 years old) Kaizer Chiefs stopper has become a firm favourite to wear the Bafana number 1 in the World Cup. A brilliant shot stopper, he has been referred to as ‘the biggest goalkeeping talent South African football has produced in recent times’.

Siphiwe Tshabalala: Another Kaizer Chiefs player, Tshabalala is the face of Nike CTR360s in South Africa. A skillful winger and play-maker, Tshabalala is strong, fast and tricky. He resembles James Milner rather than his fellow South African winger Steven Pienaar.

Teko Modise: There was a lot of speculation about Modise and the interest that some clubs showed in the Orlando Pirates winger last summer. Manchester City, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Birmingham City were all rumored to have shown interest in him and a good display at the World Cup could see him receiving some concrete offers.

Siboniso Gaxa: Was one of Bafana’s stand-out players in the Confederations Cup. The Mamelodi Sundowns right back might not be the biggest player (just 5ft 10inch) but his skill and pace make him a threat down any teams flank. A refining of his talent in Europe could produce a real gem.

Katlego Mphela: Mphela made a name for himself after a majestic 30 yard strike against Spain in the Confederations Cup. The Mamelodi Sundowns striker has struggled to maintain his form for the national side but has been prolific in the Premier Soccer League – netting 17 goals and finishing with the Golden Boot.

The boot landscape in South Africa is similar to that of Europe. Nike seems to be the firm favourite amongst South African players with all of the above wearing Nike Vapours (except Tshabalala who wears Superflys). Nine out of the eleven starters against Jamaica in Bafana’s last friendly wore Nike boots.

Under Armour also have an amazingly large market share in the PSL. They sponsor triple champions SuperSport United (who have a partnership with Tottenham Hotspur). Adidas are the official kit suppliers for the federation and boast contracts with players such as Steven Pienaar and Matthew Booth. Puma are possibly the most recognizable brand throughout Africa and their work with nations North of South Africa has been amazing. They are currently behind Nike and Adidas within South Africa but don’t expect this situation to remain for long. Umbro have recently seen their stocks rise throughout the world and it is no different in SA. They also have some ground to make up however.

Most of South Africa experiences its rainy season in the summer, so winter (June/July) is a dry, cold month. The need for long studs is therefore not as important as it is in England. In South Africa, hard ground studs are often used as the playing surfaces are not always as good as the pitches in Europe. You can be sure that the standard has been raised for the upcoming World Cup however.