Three South Africa internationals from the Bafana Bafana – Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers), Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire) – are being tracked by English Premier League clubs, according to Briefly News.
South Africa could well be putting three of its young internationals on the Premier League radar. According to Briefly News, Olwethu Makhanya, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, all Bafana Bafana players, are attracting interest from several English clubs. The South African outlet sums it up: “Three Bafana Bafana players are drawing serious interest from English Premier League clubs”.
No negotiations or official offers are mentioned at this stage. It is reported interest, which Briefly News places in the January window or next summer. The consistent performances of the three prospects would in any case appeal to British sporting directors.
Makhanya, Scotland’s aerial reference
A 22-year-old centre-back at Rangers, Olwethu Makhanya has won the Scottish Premiership player of the month award, Briefly News reports. Born in Durban, he has established himself as a reference in the air in Scotland, a quality that attracts Brentford as well as Sunderland, both cited among his suitors.
His name thus features among the three players targeted by Premier League clubs, according to the same source.
Mofokeng, the pass at the heart of the game
Relebohile Mofokeng, 21, plays as a playmaker at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. He is racking up assists in the Jupiler Pro League and on the European stage, according to Briefly News, and English scouts are said to have been won over by his performances.
The Belgian club’s track record is a strong argument: Union Saint-Gilloise have already sold six players to the Premier League this season, the South African outlet recalls. Mofokeng could follow the same path if the interest materialises.
Mbokazi, MLS-made power
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, 21, has joined Chicago Fire in MLS. A defender or defensive midfielder, he ranked fourth in the league’s best U22 young players list, according to Briefly News. Nottingham Forest are said to be following his physical power and clean distribution with keen interest.
Rangers, where Makhanya plays, have also already sold six players to the Premier League this season, which would, according to Briefly News, confirm these European stepping stones for young South African talents. The Bafana Bafana head coach is delighted to see his young guard attracting the elite of English football, the same source reports.
Physical scouting is planned at league matches in Belgium, Scotland and MLS until the end-of-year break, Briefly News indicates. British sporting directors would be aiming for a move in the January window or next summer.