Since claiming continental glory in 1996, South Africa has struggled to regain their top status as one of the best national teams on the continent.
At some stage, Bafana Bafana was ranked within the top 20 in the world, but all have gone doom and gloom over the years with the decline of football in the country.
There is no doubt about the abundance of talent South Africa has at its disposal, but the grassroots development has dismally failed to take off. This has prompted parents to relocate overseas to fast-track their kids’ football development, which has seen them take great strides.
ThisIsFootball.Africa draws up a list of 10 young and exciting players who are carving themselves out in some of Europe’s elite football leagues.
1. Kobamelo Kodisang – Moreirense FC – on loan from Braga B (Portuguese Liga 2)
Despite his impressive stats this term, Kodisang continues to be snubbed by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
The 23-year-old has been in scintillating form for Moreirense notching up six goals with a further three assists in 13 appearances across all competitions. He has also received four back-to-back Man of the Match accolades for his efforts this season.
Born in Seraleng – Gauteng, Kodisang’s development abroad since leaving Bidvest Wits has been phenomenal to watch, and his continued exclusion from the national team has not been met with a great reception from Mzansi’s aggrieved football fans.
2. Daniel Viljoen Ramos – Vitória Guimarães SC U19 (Liga Portugal)
A youth product of Sporting and Benfica, Ramos has already expressed his desire to one day represent South Africa at the national level should the country’s football governing body make contact with him and his family.
The 17-year-old was born in Portugal to a South African mother and is eligible to turn out for both countries by virtue of holding both citizenships.
3. Nkanyiso Shinga – CF Estrela Amadora U23 (Portuguese Liga 2)
At 22, Shinga is a contender for the Bafana Bafana left-back position.
He came through the KZN Academy ranks and has been in Portugal since 2018, turning out for the likes of Setubal’s U19 and Vitoria’s U23, before eventually being snapped up by Amadora in June this year on a three-year deal.
4. Michael Dokunmu – Vitesse Arnhem (Dutch Eredivisie)
Dokumnu was born in Kimberley in the Northern Cape to a Nigerian father and a South African mother.
Just 16 years old, the Arnhem U18 attacking midfielder has already bagged a single goal in four league appearances this season, clocking over 260 minutes of playing time under his belt.
In August, Dokumnu was rewarded by Vitesse for his efforts with a first contract which will make him stay at the Eredivisie outfit until mid-2025.
5. Aaron Stoch Rydell – IF Brommapojkarna (Swedish Second Tier)
Rydell was born in Sweden to South African parents and holds citizenship from both countries.
The 16-year-old winger possesses a lot of pace coupled with daring skills and turns out for IF Brommapojkarna’s U17 side after joining the club in July this year.
Though he’s yet to clock any minutes for his club this term, Rydell has already represented Sweden at U16 level.
With this pool of talented youngsters eager to turn out in the gold and green of Bafana Bafana, it would come as a bit of a surprise if the country does not have a formidable team ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, with the next global showpiece set to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America.
Also Read : Top 10 Young Bafana Prospects Plying Their Trade Overseas (Part 1)