Ignored by Bafana, Influential in Europe: SA Exports Making Noise
Several South African players based in Europe continue to make decisive contributions for their clubs, even as they remain overlooked at international level.
In Cyprus, Mihlali Mayambela sealed a 2–0 derby win for Aris Limassol over Appollon with a stoppage-time goal on Sunday. The 29-year-old, a Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate, has now registered three goals and two assists in 16 appearances this season, helping Aris climb to third in the league standings.
Elsewhere in Limassol, Luther Singh featured as AEL were held to a goalless draw by nine-man Olympiakos Nicosia. AEL sit seventh and will look to bounce back against AEK Larnaca later this month.
In Denmark, Gift Links once again underlined his consistency as AGF overturned a first-leg deficit to beat OB 3–1 and reach the Danish Cup semi-finals. Links scored just before half-time and now boasts four goals and four assists in 22 matches this season. He was recently nominated for Superliga Player of the Month, yet remains absent from Hugo Broos’ AFCON squad.
While opportunities with Bafana Bafana remain limited, these “forgotten” South Africans continue to make their mark across Europe.