On Wednesday night, South African footballer, Steven Pienaar announced his retirement from the beautiful game at the age of 35.
The diminutive Bafana Bafana playmaker enjoyed an illustrious career at the English Premier League having represented Everton and Tottenham.
Pienaar is not the only South African export to have excelled at the Premier League. In this post, brila is taking a look at 5 exceptional South Africans to have played in the Premier League.
Who do you think is the biggest South African player to have staged the English Premier League?
- Lucas Radebe
Lucas arrived England in 1994 as part of a deal to lure fellow countryman – Philemon Masinga to Leeds United. But as events would have it. Lucas Radebe established himself as a formidable figure in the Leeds United dressing room.
In 1998 – 99 season, he captained Leeds United to a 3rd place finish in the Premier League and a Semifinal place in the Champions League the following season.
In 2005, Lucas Radebe announced his retirement from Professional football. In 2008, a local Leeds brewery asked for suggestions for a new beer; the most popular suggestion was Radebeer, showing the Leeds fans’ admiration of Lucas. Till date, he is remembered as one of Leeds United legend.
- Benni McCarthy
The second on our list is South Africa’s all-time highest goal-scorer and the only South African till date to win the UEFA Champions League. Benni had quite an illustrious career in Europe, however, his stint in England wasn’t all that glittering. His first point of call in England was with Blackburn Rovers.
Where he managed 52 goals in 140 appearances.He fell out of favour with Coach Paul Ince and dropped down in pecking choice for the number 9 role. Benni joined London club West Ham United in 2010. He didn’t find the back of the net in his many appearances for the Hammers.
Benni McCarthy retired from professional football in 2013. He is currently the coach of South African PSL side – Cape Town City FC.
- Quinton Fortune
Quinton is the First South African to play for Manchester United. Though he initially moved to England to play for Tottenham Hotspurs but issues with work permit didn’t let that materialize.
In 1999, Fortune became a Manchester United player where he scored 5 times in 76 appearances. He was released by the Red Devils in the 2006-07 season.
Fortune would later have brief stints at Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland. Quinton is into coaching now.
LONDON – NOVEMBER 30: Quinton Fortune of Manchester United in action during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Chelsea and Manchester United on November 30, 2003 at Stamford Bridge on November 30, 2003 in London. Chelsea won the match 1-0. (Photo By Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
- Aaron Mokoena
Aaron Mokoena was the Bafana Bafana captain when South Africa hosted the first world cup on Africa soil. He made his dream move to the premier league when he signed for Blackburn Rovers in 2005.
In 2009-10 season he signed for Portsmouth on a 3-year contract. After Portsmouth went into administration, Mokoena’s contract was suspended – he then returned to SA to play for Braamfontein-based team Bidvest Wits FC.
- Steven Pienaar
Pienaar joined English side, Everton from Borussia Dortmund in 2007. He was named Everton’s player of the season in the 2009-10 season despite missing 11 games due to injury.
He moved to London in the 2010-11 season when he signed for Tottenham Hotspurs for a fee of 3million pounds. After managing just 18 appearances for Spurs he moved back to Everton. His sojourn in England ended with Sunderland in the 2016-17 season.
On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, Steven Pienaar announced his retirement from professional football.
The 35-year-old will be best remembered by English supporters for his spells with Everton [Image: Getty Images]
Kagisho Dikgacoi – Fulham, Crystal Palace
Matty Pattison – Newcastle United
Shaun Bartlett – Charlton Athletic
Tokelo Rantie – Bournemouth
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